Kigali, Rwanda - June 5, 2024
The Embassy of Israel in Rwanda celebrated Israel's 76th Independence Day on June 4, 2024, with a grand event that brought together a diverse group of attendees. The celebration was graced by the presence of Gen. (Rtd.) James Kabarebe, Minister of State in Rwanda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, as the guest of honor.
The event saw participation from senior officials of the Government of Rwanda, members of the diplomatic corps, UN agencies, representatives from the private sector, religious leaders, civil society, and academia. The gathering was a testament to the strong and growing relations between Israel and Rwanda.
In his address, Minister of State Gen. (Rtd.) James Kabarebe condemned the attack that took place on October 7 and called for the immediate release of all hostages. His remarks underscored Rwanda's solidarity with Israel and its stance against acts of violence and terrorism.
Ambassador Einat Weiss of Israel commended Rwanda on its remarkable 30-year transformative journey. She highlighted the excellent bilateral relations between Israel and Rwanda, emphasizing the shared values and mutual respect that have fostered strong cooperation between the two nations.
The celebration featured a movie screening, with Israeli movie, ‘Here We Are’ catching the attention of the attendants on the need for inclusivity efforts, especially for autistic children. Attendees enjoyed a festive atmosphere that reflected the enduring friendship and partnership between Israel and Rwanda.
The Embassy of Israel in Rwanda continues to strengthen diplomatic ties and promote collaboration in various sectors, contributing to the development and prosperity of both nations.
Israel Independence Day is celebrated annually on the anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel, according to the Hebrew calendar, on the 5th day of the month of Iyar.
The day preceding this celebration is devoted to the memory of those who gave their lives for the achievement of the country's independence and its continued existence.
This proximity is intended to remind people of the heavy price paid for independence. On this day, the entire nation remembers its debt and expresses eternal gratitude to its sons and daughters who gave their lives for the achievement of the country's independence and its continued existence.
On May 14, 1948, the day the British Mandate expired, the new Jewish state - the State of Israel - was formally established in parts of what was known as the British Mandate for Palestine. With the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, Jewish independence was restored after 2,000 years.
Independence Day is a celebration of the renewal of the Jewish state in the Land of Israel, the birthplace of the Jewish people. In this land, the Jewish people began to develop its distinctive religion and culture some 4,000 years ago, and here it has preserved an unbroken physical presence, for centuries as a sovereign state, at other times under foreign domination. Despite their dispersal to foreign lands and throughout their long history, the yearning to return to the land has been the focus of Jewish life. Theodor Herzl, the leader and founder of the Zionist movement, increased international recognition for the need of a Jewish state.
Since its establishment, Israel continues to be a homeland to the thousands who make their way to Israel annually. It is home to some of the holiest religious sites of the three major religions, all which enjoy the democratic rights delineated in the Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel.