MANILA, Philippines — The embassy of Israel thanked President Marcos for his continued support as it celebrated its 76th Independence Day 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 anti-Semitism,” Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss said.
Despite this, he said the Jewish nation remains unshaken, noting: “We don’t need permission to be proud Israelis, Jews and Zionists.”
A photo exhibit of the Oct. 7th terror attack in Israel was featured during the reception. It included the Filipinos who showed heroism and volunteerism during the war.
Fluss thanked Marcos 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 Oct. 11.
“My vision is to build bridges of innovation and technology between our two countries. Over the past eight months, we have unexpectedly built new connections, including bonds forged in the wake of terror,” he said as he remembered Angelyn Aguirre, Loreta Alacre, Grace Cabrera, and Paul Castelvi – the Filipino caregivers who were murdered by Hamas.
Fluss said Israel has been receiving support and solidarity from Filipino friends, organizations and communities and one example is a group of Filipinos who volunteered for two and a half months at a rehabilitation hospital in Tel Aviv.
“I would like to commend the 28,000 OFWs in Israel who stayed with their Israeli employers through thick and thin, we thank you for your love and support. I salute you all,” Fluss said.
During the Independence Day celebration, a special toast was held for Philippines-Israel relations headed by the Israeli Ambassador, Assistant Secretary and Chief of Protocol of the Department of Foreign Affairs Ariel Peñaranda and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown.
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 said it gave away seedlings of cherry tomatoes – a symbol of Israeli innovation and a testament to life, hope, renewal and growth.