The Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT), together with El Al Airlines Philippines, recently hosted a pre-celebration of Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, bringing together leaders from the Philippine travel industry and media. The event underscored Israel’s growing tourism opportunities for Filipinos, bolstered by its visa-free privilege and the strong potential for direct flights between Manila and Tel Aviv.
Her Excellency Dana Kursh, Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines, shared her vision of deepening people-to-people ties:
“My vision is for Filipinos to experience the beauty of Israel — from the Galilee of my childhood to the wonder of Jerusalem — and for Israelis to discover the Philippines, its people, its hospitality, and its 7,000 islands of paradise. This inspires our Embassy’s efforts to make direct flights between our countries a reality.”
The celebration showcased Israel as more than a pilgrimage site, presenting it as a land of contrasts — from golden deserts to snowy peaks, from rich history to vibrant modern culture.
Anna Oraiza Aban, Marketing Manager of IMOT Philippines, highlighted the excitement of welcoming more Filipino travelers:
“With the gift of visa-free entry, we look forward to inviting more Filipinos to discover Israel’s beauty, culture, and unforgettable experiences.”
Adding to this, Tisha Escalona, President of APG Philippines and General Sales Agent of El Al, reaffirmed their commitment:
“We are proud to collaborate with the Israel Ministry of Tourism to inspire more Filipinos to discover Israel.”
As part of Rosh Hashana traditions, guests raised a symbolic toast with a ruby-red pomegranate-inspired drink — symbolizing abundance and renewal — and shared apples dipped in honey, a gesture of hope for a sweet and fruitful year ahead.
The event reaffirmed the enduring friendship between Israel and the Philippines while paving the way for more collaborative efforts in tourism. With visa-free access already in place and direct flights on the horizon, the message was clear: now is the perfect time for Filipinos to explore Israel, whether for pilgrimage, leisure, or cultural discovery.