A delegation of 17 flight cadets from six countries (England, Germany, French, Belgium, Turkey, and Hong Kong) visited in Eilat last week as part of a delegation exchange by air forces and aviation entities that has been held for decades now.  

As part of the exchange, cadets from the Israeli air force visit various countries around the world, while cadets from other countries are hosted in Israel.  “In this way ties of good will and cooperation are made with our counterparts in other countries,” explains Major (Reserves) Yanon Bar Shelton, coordinator of the delegation.  “Experience has taught that over the years at least some of these young people will achieve key positions, and by their having visited Israel, we benefit from their being ambassadors within the air forces of these foreign countries,” he adds.

Like every year, the flight cadets are hosted in Eilat as part of their visit to Israel.  "Eilat is the cherry atop the whipped cream," Bar Shelton notes.  This year, too, the mayor of Eilat, Meir Itzhak Halevy, hosted them in his office and bestowed a City of Eilat pin on each of them.

During their stay in Eilat, the delegation members lodged at the Soldiers' House and visited the Dolphin Reef, the Underwater Observatory, and the Imax, as well as enjoying a sea tour on the Port's tugboat.