Memory shapes tomorrow

Today, as we celebrate Israel’s 77th Independence Day, we honor the resilience, innovation, and unwavering spirit that have defined Israel since its founding.

Built on the pillars of hope, perseverance, remembrance, and a desire for peace, Israel continues to cherish its past while forging a brighter future.

Though challenges have shaped our journey (including wars and terror attacks), we have repeatedly demonstrated our strength and determination to rise, thrive, and serve as a beacon of inspiration to others. A light among the nations.

I am so proud to represent this special country, Israel, here in the Philippines.

Actually, 30 years ago, I stood in this very moment reflecting on the profound connections my wife Gila and I had forged with the incredible people of the Philippines during my tenure as deputy ambassador.

It was a time of deep gratitude, friendship, and appreciation: sentiments that have remained with me ever since.

Our second son was born here. I celebrated my 30th birthday in Manila. I have memories of the brownouts, when we had to have a generator to ensure a stable supply of water and energy. We had wonderful trips to so many corners of the country when there were no toll roads or skyways. The LRT and MRT were still being planned.

Today, I am honored to be the first Israeli diplomat to complete a full circle at the Israeli Embassy in Manila, a place that has become more than a diplomatic post; it is my second home. It is part of me. As I often say, I am a Balikbayan diplomat, a returning diplomat to a land that has shaped me.

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My journey here has influenced not only my work as a diplomat but also my growth as a father, husband, and individual deeply connected to the Filipino people, the kindest people on Earth.

Over the past four years, under my leadership, the Israeli Embassy has remained committed to my vision of “building bridges of innovation and technology” between Israel and the Philippines. 

This work includes introducing Israeli technologies and solutions to our Philippine counterparts. I believe that together we can turn challenges into opportunities using Israeli innovation and mindset. These partnerships can change realities.  

President Marcos, during our first meeting, asked me personally to bring the agricultural technologies and practices of Israel to assist the Philippines in developing its agri-sector to achieve agricultural productivity and enhance food security.

Here is what has been achieved recently: A few weeks ago, we inaugurated a 3.5-hectare greenhouse facility in Bulacan province. It is the largest greenhouse project in the Philippines, fully based on Israeli technology and expertise. 

This is a partnership between the Metro Pacific AgroVentures group and the Israeli LR Group. That’s the kind of partnership we promote. It marks a significant milestone and a major leap forward in modern agriculture in the Philippines. This is the best example of smart farming, based on the Israeli model adjusted to Philippine conditions.

More initiatives include the recent inauguration of the Pampanga Delta RIS, an Israeli smart solar-powered irrigation system now implemented nationwide by NIA. MASHAV, Israel’s agency for international development cooperation, has donated an Israeli smart automated drip irrigation system to Tarlac Agricultural University.

In partnership with Tesda (and recently also with departments of agriculture and interior), each year, 700 Filipinos travel to Israel for 11 months to join the agriculture internship program.

They gain academic knowledge and hands-on experience in smart farming techniques, technologies, and agricultural entrepreneurship. They bring this knowledge back home to the Philippines.

These initiatives are especially important to me because they enhance agricultural productivity, food security, and rural development in the Philippines.

This is the best way to assist rural areas, improve the standard of living, and bring development and progress.

All of this is done to equip farmers with modern farming tools, increasing agricultural productivity and moving the nation closer to food security and sustainability, making farming more attractive, efficient, and profitable.

Education remains a central pillar of our mission. At the Embassy, we are working to establish learning spaces in schools in cities like Taguig, Quezon, and San Juan, inspiring young students through innovative teaching methods.

Remembering our past is also deeply important. I want to commend our collaboration with the Department of Education in holding the annual commemoration of the International Remembrance Day of the Holocaust.

We remember how President Quezon allowed 1,200 Jewish refugees, escaping death and murder by the Nazis in Europe, to enter the Philippines. He made sure they lived.

Until today, we meet some of their offspring. The gesture of President Quezon was a light in a very dark time for the Jewish people and for the world. Today, we say together: history must be learned and preserved to prevent future atrocities like the Holocaust, where 6 million Jews were murdered simply for being Jewish.

I am proud that some of the best Israeli defense systems and technologies are used by the AFP in protecting the safety and integrity of the country.

These include the Ground-Based Air Defense System, Fast Attack Interdiction Craft, drones, the light tank, the Atmos (self-propelled 155mm cannon), radar systems and many more.

Beyond that, Israel’s partnership with the Philippines is deeply rooted in development and humanitarian initiatives.

Through MASHAV, thousands of Filipinos have received training in Israel in areas such as water management, gender equality, innovation, sustainability, and health.

Projects such as the cranberry wine and jam initiative in Bicol empower local women. Israel’s humanitarian response reaches many communities. After typhoons like Odette, we donated food, water filtration systems, and renovations for affected homes. We also support shelters for girls, such as the Laura Vicuña Foundation, reflecting our unwavering commitment to caring for Filipino communities.

The solidarity between Israel and the Philippines has been profoundly evident during difficult times.

Following the 7 October attack, the love and prayers of Filipinos provided us with immense strength. Events such as the “Bataan Bless Israel” gathering reaffirm the depth of our friendship, a bond that transcends borders and hardships.

We are also so grateful to the 28,000 OFWs in Israel for their dedication and love for Israel and its people.

I must add our appreciation for some Filipino volunteers who traveled to Israel to help in hospitals and farms as a way of expressing their support and solidarity. Maraming Salamat.

As Israel celebrates its 77th year of independence, our enduring partnership with the Philippines stands as a testament to resilience, innovation, and shared values.

This is not just a farewell. It is a promise. That the ties between our nations will continue to flourish, bringing prosperity to future generations.

To my dearest friends, because of you, this journey has been both meaningful and unforgettable.

I want to end with an ancient Jewish prayer for peace, for Israel, the Philippines, and the world: 

“May He who makes peace in the heavens grant peace to us and all our people, and let us say: Amen.”

Maraming salamat po. Shalom.