SHALOM! Good evening. Magandang gabi sa inyong lahat. Welcome to our 70th birthday and the celebration of some special jubilees representing the major milestones in our people-to-people and bilateral relations.
Let me begin with a few words on our birthday. [We are] 70 years “young.” For a state, it’s young…
Israel is nicknamed today as “The Startup Nation”—an acknowledgement of our position in the world of high technology. However, the very creation of Israel can be regarded as a start-up enterprise as it was built from scratch: from start, to “Startup Nation…”
In 1918, exactly 100 years ago, World War I came to an end. The European victors of the war were drawing territorial borders for future nation-states in the Middle East endorsed by the League of Nations. Most of them will later evolve into Arab states.
One territory was an exception, as it was dedicated as the homeland for the Jewish people. It was named, “Palestine.”
(That year), the population was a few hundreds of thousands. Among them, (were) no more than 80,000 Jewish people—just bigger than an average barangay.
Today, we are a nation of 9 million people, with more than 2 million Arab citizens, together representing one of the most advanced economies, science-based societies and one of the biggest hubs of innovation in the world.
Role models, leaders
I MUST admit that we did have some good role models in our past that you all remember. (Among) them, one of the greatest leaders of all time: Moses. By all accounts, he was the first user of tablets. Poor Moses—he was lost in the desert for 40 years because he didn’t have Waze, which was invented by Israelis 10 years ago, among so many others.
Today, in addition to our National Day, we also celebrate a number of jubilees. The first one is a great moral victory of the Philippines. Eighty years ago (then-) President Manuel L. Quezon established the “open door policy,” which was followed by the open hearts of the Filipinos.
As a result, this country saved 1,300 Jewish people from the Holocaust. Generations were born ever since; among them, many Filipino families, created by those refugees who decided to stay and establish themselves in this country.
Some of the descendants of those refugees are here with us tonight. They are making a real difference in your society, and are a great bridge of friendship between our countries and peoples.
My dear friends, the open-door policy is one of the main pillars in our relations ever since.
Thanks to PHL
A SECOND pillar in our relations was created in November 1947, and it was another “Manuel”—former President Manuel A. Roxas, together with (then-) Vice President Elpidio R. Quirino—who led the Philippines to a historic vote in the United Nations (that led) to the formal creation of the State of Israel.
I would like to acknowledge the presence of the descendants of Presidents Quezon, Roxas and Quirino. The noble acts of your patriarchs laid the foundation of our friendship beyond politics, and you and your country earned a grateful Jewish people.
In behalf of my country and people, thank you; and thank you, Philippines!
The last event in our (celebration of) jubilees took place 60 years ago, when we signed our Friendship Treaty. And friendship is the (hallmark) of our relations.
“Friends in need are friends, indeed,” is our way of cooperation that, among others, led our two countries to abolish visa requirements already back in 1969! You opened the gates and hearts to our people; we opened our gates to you!
In recognition of (our) great deeds and our shared history, the Embassy of Israel, together with the Quezon family, the Roxas and Quirino foundations, and the government of Quezon City are going to dedicate a special Friendship Monument in the Quezon City Memorial Circle, the most symbolic of places.
A special “thank you” to Mayor Herbert M. Bautista (and) Vice Mayor Josefina “Joy” B. Belmonte (-Alimurung) for their support and leadership, (as well as the University of the Philippines) College of Fine Arts for the design.
Enriched résumé
LAST and not (the) least of our celebration today is personal. (My wife) Lizia and I are soon going to say goodbye. Four years (have) passed; don’t ask me how many of them on Edsa….
But I would like to tell you that, thanks to you, my résumé was greatly enriched: First, as a professional model for senior citizens. Second, I (have become) an expert judge of beauty pageants, under the watchful eyes of my better half. Third, I’m (now) a well-trained selfie photographer in the selfie capital of the world.
I was also honored with a Doctor of Laws degree, honoris causa, from the Tarlac Agricultural University, which I will carry with pride.
But, our most enriching experience truly was your friendship! My dearest friends, because of you, we truly had a great and unforgettable tour of duty. We don’t know about you, but we are going to miss you.
Thank you all for joining us, and honoring us. Maraming salamat po.
My dear friends, I would like to propose a toast for the good health and success of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, for the prosperity and well-being of the Filipino people, and the friendship between our two nations. Mabuhay!
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(Speech of the ambassador delivered at the Marquis Events Place, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, on May 10 during the celebration of the 70th Independence Day of The State of Israel and the 60th anniversary of the Israel-Philippine Friendship Treaty.)
Image credits: Alysa Salen