By Veronica Uy
Photos courtesy of Israel Embassy in Manila
The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines commemorated Israel’s 76th Independence Day with a solemn reception in Manila, emphasizing the nation’s resilience.
“For the first time in 76 years, Israel’s Independence Day is overshadowed by the turmoil of war. A disturbing global surge in antisemitism further dampens our celebration,” Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss said in his speech.
Despite these challenges, the resolve of the Jewish nation remains unshaken. “We don’t need permission to be proud Israelis, Jews, and Zionists,” Ambassador Fluss asserted.
The reception featured a photo exhibition documenting the October 7th terror attack in Israel, highlighting Filipinos who demonstrated heroism and volunteerism during the conflict.
Ambassador Fluss expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his strong message of solidarity with Israel, condemning the Hamas terrorist attacks, and calling for the release of hostages during their meeting on October 11.
“My vision is to build bridges of innovation and technology between our two countries. Over the past 8 months, we have unexpectedly built new connections, including bonds forged in the wake of terror,” he said, remembering Angelyn Aguirre, Loreta Alacre, Grace Cabrera, and Paul Castelvi – the Filipino caregivers killed by Hamas.
The ambassador acknowledged the support and solidarity from Filipino friends, organizations, and communities, citing a group of Filipinos who volunteered for two and a half months at a rehabilitation hospital in Tel Aviv, exemplifying the bayanihan spirit of the Filipino people. This initiative was led by Israel’s Honorary Consul in Davao, Jorge Marquez.
“I would like to commend the 28,000 OFWs in Israel who stayed with their Israeli employers through thick and thin, maraming salamat po sa inyong pagmamahal at suporta. Saludo po ako sa inyong lahat,” Ambassador Fluss said.
A special toast celebrating Philippines-Israel relations was led by Ambassador Ilan Fluss, Assistant Secretary and Chief of Protocol of the Department of Foreign Affairs Ariel Peñaranda, and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown.
The 76th Independence Day Celebration took place at the New World Makati Hotel on June 20, attended by members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, the private sector and innovation community, the Jewish and Israeli community, and friends of Israel.
Rose Fostanes, the Filipina X Factor Israel winner in 2014, serenaded the audience with her rendition of “Hurricane” by Israeli singer Eden Golan, which recently placed fifth in the Eurovision contest. The Embassy also distributed seedlings of cherry tomatoes, symbolizing Israeli innovation and representing life, hope, renewal, and growth.
