The Lowdown: Eitan Weiss

Atlanta is chock full of interesting “movers and shakers” – some bent on creativity, empire building, activism and/or just plain having fun and living the good life. Lean in to hear some of the “off the cuff” remarks as to what makes the new Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern United States, Eitan Weiss, tick.

As Consul General, Weiss is responsible for overseeing and advancing all aspects of Israel’s bilateral relations throughout the Southeast. His previous post in the United States was as Deputy Chief of Mission at the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles. Most recently, Eitan served as the Director of the Export Control Department for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where he was responsible for the regulation and supervision of military and controlled exports from Israel’s defense industries, which play a crucial role in safeguarding Israel’s national security and advancing its foreign policy interests. During the onset of the Swords of Iron War, after Oct.7, he took on additional responsibilities to ensure the security of supply chains for the IDF and Israeli security forces. Eitan’s diplomatic career also includes diverse positions at Israeli missions around the world. He served as the counselor for economic relations and international cooperation at the Embassy in Moscow followed by a posting in Ottawa as the Head of Public Diplomacy, Academic and Cultural Affairs before returning to Jerusalem to serve as the Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Eitan holds a master’s degree in conflict resolution from Tel Aviv University and a bachelor’s degree in international relations.

Read on to find out what it really means to fly “united.”

What was your most unusual job?
Prior to joining the ministry of foreign affairs in 2008, I was a flight attendant for El Al Israeli airlines. For almost five years, I traveled the world and learned about other cultures. But the most important thing that happened while working in El Al was meeting my significant other. In 2005, on a flight to New York City, I met my wife Dana, who was also a flight attendant. Working together as a couple for a few years was a very long honeymoon.

Who have you met that left you starstruck?
Though I met many famous people in my 18 years of working for the foreign service, I’m sorry to disappoint but I have never been star stricken by anyone other than my wife, especially when she was pregnant with our twins while we lived in Ottawa.

What are you reading? And streaming?
These days, all I read are reports about everything happening in Israel and other places of interests. When I had time, I read all sorts of novels and history books. Streaming? No thank you. I value silence when applicable.

The most amazing thing about living in Moscow was …
“Amazing” is not the appropriate word. I would use “enlightening.” There were many things I learned about Russia and Russians from the three years I lived in Moscow. And yes, it’s extremely cold there. I remember being in Siberia in February, it was -58 degrees Fahrenheit, and my face froze just from a five-minute walk outside.

Your wife would say you’re too …
This is a trick question … though we are together for 20 years, I don’t have an answer to that. But I think it will be tied to her mood when asked.

My favorite thing about the South is …
Everything. The people, the food, the hospitality … and even the traffic. Compared to the traffic in Israel, LA, Moscow and even Angola (I spent there two months holding the flag of our embassy) the South is “traffic heaven.”

What do you miss most about Israel?
Family, food and traffic … no. not really.

A talent you wish you had?
I’m happy with just the way I am.

What’s the most important thing your parents taught you?
The basics. To eat, brush my teeth and the other usual stuff. Though I feel that when they tried to teach me more important things, I wasn’t really paying attention.