On monday the Embassy of Israel in Lithuania invited representatives of Lithuanian state institutions, cultural and academic communities, diplomatic missions and friends of Israel in Lithuania to commemorate the 77th anniversary of Israel's independence and the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Embassy in Lithuania.
It was a cosy and warm evening, dedicated not only to history but also to a lively and open dialogue.
In her welcoming speech, Ambassador Hadas Wittenberg Silverstein summed up the meeting by saying: "Our independence was born in struggle. Our democracy was shaped by debate. And our culture continues to thrive—even when surrounded by pain. This is the story of Israel. Happy Independence Day. Am Yisrael Chai".
In her greetings, Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė, who has just returned from an official visit to Israel, stressed the commonality between the countries in the face of threats."Lithuania and Israel are currently facing very serious geopolitical challenges. They may appear to be very different. On the other hand, the threats to both countries are very similar - our neighbours would like to annihilate us. Meanwhile, we - Lithuania and Israel - want to survive, however uncomfortable or impossible it may seem to some," the Minister said.
The event was also a prelude to the Israeli Film Week in Vilnius. It is an invitation to explore contemporary Israel through cinematic stories - from the personal to the social, from the sensitive to the provocative.