Israel commemorates 77th National Independence Day
Published Jun 30, 2025 03:20 pm
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Updated Jul 1, 2025 11:15 am
Ceremonial toast with Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Jesus S. Domingo, First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, Ambassador Ilan Fluss, and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown
The Embassy of the State of Israel in the Philippines commemorated its 77th Independence Day at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati on May 22, 2025, hosted by Israel’s ambassador, Ilan Fluss, together with his spouse, Madame Gila Fluss.
The event brought together dignitaries, government officials, business leaders, personalities and friends of the embassy.
Among the distinguished guests were First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, Filipino businessman and sports patron Manuel V. Pangilinan, Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Jesus S. Domingo, PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro, COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia, ambassadors of the different embassies in the Philippines and other notable figures from the business and diplomatic communities.
In his remarks, Ambassador Fluss shared that he was a “balikbayan diplomat,” as he had worked in the Philippines during the '90s before he was assigned as ambassador in 2021.
Ambassador David Bruce Hartman of the Embassy of Canada, Ambassador Christian Halaas Lyster of the embassy of Norway, and Ambassador Nicolas Brühl of the embassy of Switzerland
Ambassador Ilan Fluss presents a basket of fresh vegetables harvested from Metro Pacific Fresh Farms as token to First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos. The ceremony was witnessed by Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Jesus S. Domingo, Metro Pacific Fresh Farms (MPFF) Manuel V. Pangilinan, and Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown
Ambassador Ilan Fluss delivers his welcome remarks
Ambassador Karel Hejč of the embassy of Czech Republic and spouse Mme Michelle Louise Hejčová; Ambassador Laure Nicole Stephanie Beaufils of the Embassy of the United Kingdom; Arkadiusz Jan Tracz
Ambassador Anna Ferry of the Embassy of Sweden and Ambassador Marielle Geraedts of the Embassy Netherlands; Ambassador MaryKay Carlson of the Embassy of the Netherlands, with Ambassador Titanilla Tóth of the Embassy of Hungary
Anak TV, Inc. President Elvira Go and Philippine Red Cross Secretary General Dr. Gwendolyn Pang; Mme. Cathrine Lykke Riseng Lyster with Mme Bethany Susan Goldstein
“In the 90s, Manila was a different world. No MRT or BGC. Brown-outs were a part of daily life. Our kind neighbors then shared with us a generator so we could have electricity and water. But, the Filipino people haven't changed. They are still the nicest people on earth,” he said. “Congratulations for the progress of this amazing country. Our hearts never truly left this country. We've always felt a strong bond with the Philippines, a country whose warmth, hospitality, and family values mirror those of Israel,” he added.
During his tenure, Ambassador Fluss spearheaded efforts to introduce Israeli agricultural technologies to local farmers, supporting President Marcos’ vision of improving food security and sustainability. These initiatives, which provide Filipinos with hands-on training in farming and entrepreneurship, reflect how diplomacy can create tangible benefits for communities.
DFA Usec. Jesus Domingo, for his part, said the two states share a deep and unique friendship rooted in history when the Philippines opened its door to Jewish people fleeing the Holocaust and voted in favor of a United Nations resolution to establish the State of Israel. “These historical cornerstones form the bedrock of our strong bilateral ties over the decades, our relationship continues to expand,” he said. “We are confident that by continuing to work together, we can achieve greater prosperity and security for both our nations and contribute positively to the global community,” he added.
Ambassador Ioannis Pediotis of the embassy of Greece with Israel Embassy’s Press Officer Rose Marie Corpin, and Fairmont Hotel's General Manager Bernd Schneider
Israel Embassy’s Deputy Head of Mission Ester Buzgan, Mme. Gila Fluss, couple Llyod Lee and Shamcey Supsup-Lee, First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos,Tim Yap, and Ambassador Ilan Fluss
PCO Usec. Claire Castro with Metro Pacific Fresh Farms (MPFF) Manuel V. Pangilinan; Manila Bulletin’s Barbie Atienza with President and Chief Operating Officer at Philippine Airlines Stanley Ng
Founder and CEO, Global Educator U creator Rayla Allertsen with Monaco’s Consul Fortune Ledesma; Ambassador Ilan Fluss with Ambassador Gilberto Fonseca Guimarães de Moura of the Embassy of Brazil
Ambassador Ricardo Bocalandro of the Embassy of Argentina, Ambassador Eduardo Young Virzi of the Embassy of Panama, and Mme Maria Elena Urriste
First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos joined the ceremonial toast on stage and received a token of appreciation—a basket filled with vegetables from Metro Pacific Fresh Farms (MPFF). This is part of the partnership between the Philippines and Israel, resulting in the creation of a 3.5-hectare farm in Bulacan.
She also joined Ambassador Fluss and other guests in testing out Holobox, a holographic installation showcasing Ambassador Fluss, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), interacting with a virtual version of the ambassador.