Holy Land, Holy See : A Diplomat’s Extraordinary Journey from Poverty to Israel’s Ambassador to the Vatican and Ireland

From a modest Iranian village and refugee camp to the corridors of global diplomacy, this memoir chronicles an Israeli diplomat’s ascent amid hardship. Through candid encounters with world leaders and delicate Jewish-Catholic dialogues, it reveals the struggles and victories of pursuing peace.

From a small village in Iran to a childhood spent in a ma’abarah (a refugee and immigration camp) in Israel, and ultimately to the marble corridors of the Vatican, Holy Land, Holy See tells the extraordinary journey of an Israeli diplomat who devoted more than four decades to serving his country. Born in Borujerd, Iran, and raised in Israel in poverty under difficult circumstances, Zion Evrony rose through the ranks of Israel’s Foreign Ministry to represent his nation in Houston, New York, Ireland, and the Vatican. Evrony’s memoir offers a rare insider’s perspective on Israel’s foreign service, Jewish-Catholic and Israel-Vatican relations, the Vatican itself, Israeli-Irish relations, and the enduring mystery of the lost treasures of the Holy Temple of Jerusalem. The author recounts his meetings with world leaders, including Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis, U.S. Presidents Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush, and many Israeli leaders, including David Ben-Gurion, Shimon Peres, and Benjamin Netanyahu. Evrony also chronicles historic events such as the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, the election of Pope Francis, and the challenges of representing Israel in countries highly critical of its policies. In addition, he shares his views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the war in Gaza. Blending candid reflections with vivid storytelling, the author reveals the human side of diplomacy – its challenges, adventures, and triumphs. Both a deeply personal narrative and a revealing window into the world of diplomacy, this book stands as a testament to resilience, dialogue, and the enduring quest for peace.