76th Independence Day celebration of Israel in Manila
The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines celebrated Israel’s 76th Independence Day with a solemn reception in Manila highlighting the resiliency of the nation.
“For the first time in 76 years, Israel's Independence Day is overshadowed by the turmoil of war. Our celebration is further dampened by a disturbing global surge in antisemitism,” Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss said.
Despite this, the Jewish nation resolve remain unshaken. “We don't need permission to be proud Israelis, Jews, and Zionists,” Ambassador Fluss expressed.
A photo exhibition of the October 7th terror attack in Israel was featured during the reception. The photos highlighted a message of resilience, heroism, and Israel’s unwavering determination to rebuild and revive their communities. It also includes the Filipinos who showed heroism and volunteerism during the war.
Ambassador Fluss thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as he expressed a strong message of solidarity with Israel, condemned Hamas terrorists’ attacks, and called for the release of hostages when he met the president 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,” Ambassador Fluss said as he remembered Angelyn Aguirre, Loreta Alacre, Grace Cabrera, and Paul Castelvi – the Filipino caregivers who were murdered by Hamas.
Ambassador Fluss said that Israel has been receiving support and solidarity from Filipino friends, organizations, and communities. One example is 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 was initiated 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 sainyong lahat,” Ambassador Fluss shared.
A special toast was held for Philippines-Israel relations headed by Ambassador Ilan Fluss, Assistant Secretary and Chief of Protocol of the Department of Foreign Affairs Asec. Ariel Peñaranda, and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown.
The 76th Independence Day Celebration was held in New World Makati Hotel on June 20, 2024, attended by the diplomatic corps, government officials, 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 crowd with her version of Hurricane by Israeli singer Eden Golan, which finished in fifth place during the recent Eurovision contest. The Embassy also gave away seedlings of cherry tomatoes - a symbol of Israeli innovation and a testament to life, hope, renewal, and growth.