Naftali Tamir

Naftali Tamir (Hebrew: נפתלי תמיר) is an Israeli diplomat.

Naftali Tamir
Israel Ambassador to New Zealand
In office 2005–2007
Succeeded by	Yuval Rotem
Israel Ambassador to Australia
In office 2005–2007
Preceded by	Gabby Levy
Succeeded by	Irit Lillian
Israel Ambassador to Finland
In office 1999–2000
Preceded by	Ali Yahya
Succeeded by	Miryam Shomrat
Personal details
Nationality	Israeli
Occupation	Diplomat

Naftali Tamir served as Ambassador to Australia^[1] and the non-resident ambassador to New Zealand^[2] from 2005 until 2007.^[3]

Tamir was recalled after commenting that Israel and Australia are "like sisters" because both are in Asia but their people do not have "yellow skin and slanted eyes" and Asia is "basically the yellow race".^[4][1] Tamir later said his remarks were taken out of context.^[5] He was cleared by the Foreign Ministry.^[5]

From 1999 until 2000, he was Ambassador to Finland.^[6]

References

1. Hallé, Charlotte (October 16, 2006). "Envoy to Australia to Explain 'Yellow Race' Comments". Haaretz. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
2. "Foreign Ministry D-G Visits New Zealand, Ending 2-year Freeze". Haaretz. May 31, 2006. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
3. "Australia". Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
4. "Undiplomatic ties cost drunk ambassador his job". The Guardian. March 12, 2007. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
5. Lynfield, Ben (November 2, 2006). "Israel's ambassador to Australia cleared of making racist remarks". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
6. "Finland". Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 25 April 2020.