Astero
Virtual Meeting with Lehendakari Urkullu
On June 23, 2020, Lehendakari Iñigo Urkullu called a meeting with representatives from Basque clubs all over the world to discuss how they have been affected by the Coronavirus. I had the honor of attending the meeting with others from the states, including Jean Flesher, the elected representative of North America to the Lehendakari’s Advisory Board, Ana Mendiola from Boise representing Jaialdi, Ander Caballero representing the New England Basque Club, as well as Elisa Vidasolo Ancona, President of New York’s Euzko Etxea, among others. In all there were 56 participants on the Zoom meeting that lasted approximately an hour and 15 minutes.
The session began with greetings from the Basque Government’s Secretary General of Foreign Action, Marian Elorza followed by comments by Lehendakari Urkullu who also provided data on Euskadi’s current situation. Director of the Basque Community Abroad, Gorka Alvarez Aranburu, moderated the meeting calling on each speaker when it was their turn. The meeting began with reports from members of the Lehendakari’s Advisory Board, Arantxa Anitua representing Central and South America as well as being President of FEVA (Federation of Basque Argentine Entities). She was followed by Unai Lauzirika, Advisory Board member representing Europe and Asia. I then addressed the meeting representing North America, and the final presentation was made by Juan Pedro Arín, representing FIVU – Federation of Basque-Uruguayan Entities. Even as the situation in each country, state or region varies, the big take away from yesterday was even though the economic impact on the Basque communities has been serious, the human toll in our community has been much smaller than that experienced by other communities. After the four introductory presentations, Gorka then opened up the floor for other club/entity representatives to speak. These speakers included Ana Mendiola from Boise, Alberto Escobal from Lima Peru, Federico Borrás from Parana, Argentina, Oskar Goitia from San Paulo, Brazil, Nicolás Ibarra from Mallorca, Milagros Ibarbia, from Trelew, Argentina, Diego Ibarbia, from the Juan de Garay Foundation in Buenos Aires, Ibane Azpiritxaga, from Caracas, Venezuela. Among the others who could not participate due to technical issues were, Agurtzane Aguado (Euskal Erria in Montevideo), Maria Elena Etcheverry (Eusketxe, Buenos Aires) and Jean-Marie Guezala (Paris). The meeting was also attended by others from Germany, Argentina, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Canada, México, the UK, France, Spain and Belgium.
The meeting concluded with Marian Elorza addressing some specific questions from clubs, and the Lehendakari making the final remarks assuring everyone that “the Euskal Etxeak and Basques in the Basque Country, will emerge from this situation by working together. It is now time to analyze the situation and work together on the most appropriate way to face it.” Video of the meeting available here. On behalf of NABO, we would like to thank Lehendakari Urkullu, and those in the Government’s Department of the Exterior, again for this opportunity to gather and share our experiences with them, as well as with our friends from all over the world. Eskerrik asko bihotzez! Zaindu!
San Juan Eguna
Today is San Juan celebrating the summer solstice, a festivity celebrated in Basque communities all over the world. Although this year, due to the pandemic, few are gathering to jump over a fire, or burn an effigy. To learn more about how this festival is celebrated in different parts of the Basque Country, click here.
6/25/2020
