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ICEJ Brings Joy to Jerusalem During Sukkot with Tours, Feasts and Celebrations for Pilgrims from Around the Globe
The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem hosted its annual Sukkot events this week with a schedule of activities spanning the map of Israel and linking thousands of religious pilgrims from dozens of nations and diverse backgrounds. Coming at a time when the Israeli tourism industry is still struggling to recover and many are still hesitant to travel to Israel only highlights the achievement and underscores the deep friendship and support of the ICEJ.
The week of festivities began with a celebratory at the Kfar HaNokdim oasis in the Negev desert in southern Israel on Friday evening, the first day of Sukkot, and continued at the International Conference Center (ICC) in downtown Jerusalem with Saturday’s Roll Call of Nations, Sunday seminars, prayers, VIP reception and Israeli Guest Night, and the annual march up Gan Sacher followed by public prayer in the Wohl Rose Garden on Monday. The celebration continues Tuesday with prayer services at the ICC before culminating with a special Communion Service at the Garden Tomb on Wednesday morning.
ICEJ President Dr. Jürgen Bühler noted at the VIP reception that in what has been a challenging time for Israel internationally, the ICEJ and its members steadfastly support Israel and Israelis, with over 1,500 guests attending the Sunday evening Israeli Guest Night, despite travel warnings, economic hardships and other hurdles, and this year’s program promoting pilgrimage to Judea and Samaria businesses and historical sites, along with rehabilitation projects at the southern border communities in the Gaza Envelope region. The Embassy recently unveiled its tenth recovery initiative with a project to support the restoration of Kibbutz Nir Oz. Dr. Bühler also highlighted the miraculous vitality of the Israeli economy which continues to thrive in the face of all adversity.
Knesset Member Tatiana Mazarsky spoke next, stressing that “only true friends” of Israel would visit under such difficult circumstances, and expressed appreciation for the thousands of such true friends who continued to stand by Israelis through the Embassy. MK Mazarsky noted the symbolism of visiting during Sukkot, when historically 70 sacrifices were brought in the Temple in Jerusalem to represent 70 nations of the world. In concluding her remarks she thanked the organizers and guests and blessed them.
Participants themselves made the pilgrimage from all corners of the world, with many wearing traditional clothing, national pins or flags highlighting the diversity within unity of this special event. Their presence bears testimony to the bonds of friendship and religious solidarity that supersede any national, geographical or linguistic boundaries.
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog gave a special video greeting to Feast pilgrims, welcoming them to Israel and the Feast and recognising the Christian Embassy’s long record of friendship and practical support for Israel.
“I congratulate all of you as the head of State and president of the State of Israel for coming here and showing solidarity, support, affection and love, and praying for the well-being of the State of Israel and Jerusalem,” said President Herzog. “I want to thank all of you, especially I want to thank the office and leadership of ICEJ. You are doing incredible work, and we find you all over.”
The message continued a theme from last year, when he described the ICEJ as a global expression of Christian friendship, solidarity and action for Israel.
Diplomacy.co.il and https://diariojudio.com/ offers holiday greetings to the ICEJ and all of its members during the festival of Sukkot.
Steven Aiello
Director, Debate for Peace
972-528194878
Website: http://debateforpeace.org/
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The Mayor of Jerusalem's 2026 Diplomatic Sukkah Reception - Jerusalem Municipality, Safra Square
On Sunday afternoon, 27 September 2026, the Mayor of Jerusalem, Mr. Moshe and Mrs. Stavit Lion hosted an exclusive, small and elegant reception in the world's largest Sukkah located in Safra square, the location of Jerusalem's Municipality.
A Sukkah is a temporary outdoor booth or hut built and used during the week long Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot, serving as a reminder of the Jews 40 year exodus, spent wandering in the desert after escaping slavery in Egypt.
The Succah was elaborately decorated and a cocktail buffet consisting of savoury canopies and a selection of salads, sashimi, petit fours and fresh fruit as well as sparkling wine and soft drinks was served.
The Emcee, Advocate Susie Ozsinay Aranya, Jerusalem Municipality's International Communications and Foreign Media Spokesperson, warmly welcomed all guests, commencing her short address by stating that the Sukkah is the paradigm of peace, faith and dialogue.
A song by Leonard Cohen entitled "Hallelujah" was sung by David D'or.
Thereafter a short film was shown about Jerusalem's rich history, different religions and the revolutionary spirit that has overtaken the city, reflecting innovation, green landscapes, urban renewal and environmental equity as well as proposed future educational programmes.
Mayor of Jerusalem, Mr. Moshe Lion speech was dynamic and succinct, saying that on the Festival of Sukkot Jews leave their homes residing in the Sukkah, being a temporary dwelling. In the Sukkah, Ushpizin (an Aramaic word meaning guests) are welcomed. For the seven days of Sukkot, a different Ushpiz is welcomed every night, namely Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Joseph and David. This custom goes back 1000's of years to the First Temple period, built by King Solomon, where multitudes of visitors ascended to Jerusalem for the pilgrimage festival. As we all know, there is no city like Jerusalem where King David established his capital. As we approach the 60th anniversary of the unification of Jerusalem in 2027, nine Embassies are based here with Colombia soon to open an Embassy. The Sukkah with a roof made of palm branches and where the sky is visible, is a metaphor for the diversity of different faiths in our city, being synonymous to a spirit of openness and inclusiveness.
H.E. Mr. Mike Huchabee, Ambassador of the United States of America to the State of Israel, originally a Baptist pastor and formerly Governor of Arkansas where his daughter is currently Governor, addressed the audience stating that it was an immense honour for him to speak on behalf of the diplomatic corps. He Reiterated the fact that the Municipality of Jerusalem's Sukkah is the world's largest being masterfully decorated. Jerusalem's landscape is a reflection of the dynamic leadership of Mayor Moshe Lion with 300 cranes dotting the sky. His vision is that of looking to the future which reflects one of life and vibrancy. President Trump's bold decision to relocate the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem was one of foresight. Today we are gathered in this Sukkah expressing our thanks and gratitude to the multitude of faiths present in the Sukkah. While driving, using the windshield and rear mirror, the last mentioned to look back while the aforementioned for looking ahead, namely to the future, Sukkat is a reminder that G-d's protection is all pervading in the Holy City of Jerusalem. Recently, the United States of America consummated its friendship by establishing a new ground breaking Embassy campus in Jerusalem, reflecting our commitment to Israel.
David D'or's solemn singing of Israel's national anthem and a group photograph of Ambassadors followed by one of all guests ended the festivity.
Present among the many dignitaries were Ambassadors, C.E.O. of governmental agencies , businessmen and Christian groups as far as Korea who arrived for Jerusalem's annual Feast of Tabernacles.
Diplomacy.co.il and www.diariojudio.com wish the Mayor of Jerusalem, Mr. Moshe and Mrs Stavit Lion, and Municipality staff ,Modim L'simcha and a Chag Sukkot Sameach.
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On the eve of Thursday, 10 September 2026, the Ambassadors of the Republic of the Central American Republics, H.E. Mr. Antonio Lopez Escarre, Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica, H.E. Ms. Ava Atzum Arevalo de Moscoso, Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala and H.E. Mr. Jose Luis Nunez Bennett, Ambassador of the Republic of Honduras hosted a reception in the lobby of Tower Building, Malha, Jerusalem, the location of the Guatemalan Embassy.
The excitement was palpable as guests were in a festive mood being the evening preceding the Jewish New Year.
There was a movie about Central America's mesmerizing geographical beauty.
Gabriel Hayon, Director of the Diplomatic Institute was the Emcee.
The President of Israel and the First Lady, H.E. Mr. Isaac and Mrs. Michal Herzog were the guests of honour.
The anthems of the Central American Republics were played followed by the enthusiastic singing of Hatikvah.
During the singing of Hatikvah, the First Lady, Ms. Michal Herzog used sign language (ISL) in solidarity with Israel's hard of hearing and deaf community.
The President commenced his speech saying that he was elated to be present at the 205th anniversary reception of Central American independence after having earlier arrived from a state visit to Cyprus. When nations build bridges, meaningful change and goodwill prevails.
Today. I shared my vision with the President of Cyprus, H.E. Mr. Nikos Christodoulides that my dream is that someday soon, nations in the region will stand together including Lebanon. Israel's heart is open to alliances with peace seeking nations. There are many expressions of friendship between Israel and Central America. Honduras recently opened an Embassy in Jerusalem and Costa Rica will soon be opening a Trade and Investment Office too. I have had the experience of visiting Costa Rica where I attended President Laura Fernandez Delago's inauguration. I have also had the honour of meeting the President of Guatemala, H.E. Mr. Bernardo Arevalo and Honduras's President, H.E. Mr. Nasry Asfura with whom we hope to expand our relations. Relations between Israel, Chile and Colombia have been renewed and this is what happens when a spirit of solidarity and friendship is sincere. Our friendship with Guatemala dates back to prior to the establishment of Israel as bilateral relations are concomitant to our interests. The Central American Republics and Israel, which are small nations, are geographically separated by great distances however the intensity of our friendship is deep. Regarding sanctions of goods made in Judea and Samaria, Israel is greatly disappointed by the recent actions of certain European countries, this decision corrodes trust. Sadly many Palestinian livelihoods depending on jobs will severely be affected. A return to constructive dialogue will result in a more meaningful and productive outcome. We welcome a year filled with bountiful friendship and cooperation.
On behalf of the three Ambassadors, H.E. Mr. Jose Nunez Bennett, Ambassador of the Republic of Honduras, addressed the audience warmly welcoming the President saying that the three sister nations that once were part of the former United Provinces of Central America which was later known as the Federal Republic of Central America welcome you. We share deep roots, a common history and values that have accompanied the building of our nations. At the same time each country has followed its own path and thus built a unique relationship with Israel.
Costa Rica has a historic friendship with Israel built over decades of diplomatic exchanges, cooperation and exchanges developing collaboration in agriculture, education, technology, innovation and development. The decision to establish a Procomer Innovation, Trade and Investment Office in Jerusalem is an important step.
On the 15th of May 1948, Guatemala became the second country to recognize the nascent State of Israel. Seventy years later, Guatemala became the second country to relocate its Embassy to Jerusalem. Ties have grown in agriculture, technology, innovation education, security, trade and development. Recently Guatemala unveiled a plaque at David's City as an expression of the historical, cultural and friendly ties between our peoples.
Honduras shares a long history with Israel. On the 11th of July 1947, the Exodus, registered under a Hondurian flag, departed from France carrying more than 4500 Holocaust survivors bound for Israel. The British Navy intercepted the ship and it was forced to return to Europe. This event generated international condemnation and accelerated the process that less than a year later that led to the creation of the State of Israel. Today that Honduran flag forms part of the collection of the Naval Museum in Haifa. In 2021 Honduras officially relocated its Embassy to Jerusalem and was the second Latin American country to do so. Under President Asfura, we are witnessing a renewal of rapprochement and intensification consolidating the bonds of friendship between Honduras and Israel. On the 16th of August 2026, the Hondurian and Israeli Ministers of Defence signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at deepening cooperation in the field of defence.
The Central American Republics have our own history, identity and unique relationship with Israel. Commemorating 205 years of independence means remembering where we come from and honouring those valiant men and women who built our nation's while simultaneously looking ahead and how we can build a better future for generations to follow. Regarding Israel, we share the same aspirations for growth and the continued creation of new opportunities for cooperation, development, friendship and understanding among our people.
The President, accompanied by the three Ambassadors on stage, where a toast was taken followed by the blowing of the shofar in honour of the forthcoming Jewish New Year.
Present were Ambassadors, diplomats, military attaches, Honorary Consuls, state officials not to forget mentioning Mr. Gil Haskel, Foreign Ministry's Chief of State Protocol, Mr. Amir Ofek, Foreign Affairs Deputy Director of Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr. Amit Zarouk, Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of the President of the State of Israel, Mr. Yinam Cohen, the Foreign Ministry Director of Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr.Tony Reichler, the Knesset's Head of International Relations, Mr. Maor Ifrah, advisor to the Foreign Ministry's Director General, Mr. Nathan Allalouf, Costa Rica's Honorary Consul and president of the Allalouf Group, Mr. Alejandro Fernandez, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Honduras for Haifa and Northern Israel, Mr. Daniel Voiczek, CEO of the Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem, Luis Har who recently completed an autobiographical account about his experience in Hamas captivity with his wife Clara,. Leo Glaser, Businessman, Mr. Fernando Bisker, Ambassador of Shalva, the Israel Association for the Care and Inclusion of Persons With Disabilities, Mr. Claiborne Gayden, the United States Embassy's Political Officer, Mr. Hernan Feldman, Guatemala Honorary Consul and Hameshakem's Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Issac Ajzen, Editor en Chief of www.diariojudio.com, Ms. Georgina Litvak, Hotel Benjamin in Herzliya Pituach's Corporate Sales Manager, and Mr. Amir Sade , Special Advisor to Grert Berr
Diplomacy.co.il and www.diariojudio.com extend its congratulations to the three Central American Ambassadors in honour of this auspicious occasion of independence as well its sincere appreciation, gratitude and thanks to all Embassy staff involved in making the evening memorable. .
Photos Silvia G. Golan
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On Wednesday evening, the 16th of September 2026 at the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, Yafo, the Ambassador of Chile to the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. Gabriel Zaliasnik and Mrs. Elizabeth Majlis, hosted a reception in honour of Chile's national day.
Chile and Israel have restored full ambassadorial relations under President Jose Antonio Kast, reversing a period of deep diplomatic friction during the prior administration of Gabraiel Boric. A few months ago the incumbent President ended a nearly three year ambassadorial vacancy by appointing H.E. Mr. Gabriel Zaliasnik as Chile's ambassador.
Tables were decorated with miniature Chilean and Israeli flags, serviettes and childrens wands also bore the Chilean colours.
The evening's sponsors included Aqua Chile and Vina El Rosal.
The Emcee warmly welcomed all and sundry followed by the enthusiastic singing of Hatikvah and Chile's Nacional Anthem .
A large screen with a message by Israel's President Isaac Herzog expressing his delight in conveying his greetings saying that Chile's long and determined quest for independence is something shared by both nations. To admit someone which is heartening and that we had the wisdom, pragmatism and understanding as well as the foresight to have overcome our differences, renewing bilateral relations, will most certainly have a positive outcome. Thus recognizing the potential we can enjoy the bountiful fruit of our renewed relations. Under President Jose Antonio Kast's leadership, we are currently finding new momentum in our restored friendship. I very much indeed would like to visit Chile in the very foreseeable future. Viva Chile!.
The Ambassador's speech was erudite and urbane, starting by saying that on national day, Chileans around the world celebrate our nation - its history, its people, its achievements and the values that have guided us throughout our journey. This is a celebration of freedom and national identity, remembering those who helped to shape our country and to reflect upon Chile which we continue to build for future generations. He quoted a verse of a poem entitled, "How Flags Are Born" by Pablo Neruda, Chile's national poet and Nobel Prize laureate for Literature in 1971. Chile is a country deeply proud of its democratic traditions and institutions as we believe in freedom, human dignity, the rule of law, respect for human rights, dialogue and peaceful cooperation among nations. We are of the belief that through dialogue and mutual respect, differences can be bridged. Chile is a land of extreme geograghical contrasts, ranging from the Atacama desert in the north, through fertile valleys, to a magnificent coastline including mountains, glaciers and the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia. Our geography has shaped our national character, teaching us resilience, creativity and that challenges can become opportunities., something both our countries well understand. Although both our countries are separated by thousands of kilometres these similarities bind us. We have learnt to adapt, innovate and find creative solutions in challenging environments. Over the past few months we have been working to translate possibilities into concrete connections by bringing universities, researchers, doctors, medical institutions, innovators and companies in fields such as satellite technology, artificial intelligence, water, agriculture and advanced medicine ensuring that these efforts lead to projects, partnerships, research, investment, knowledge - sharing and lasting institutional links. By strengthening our ties today we ensure building a friendship that future generations can carry forward. I hope to see more Chileans visiting Israel and visa versa, more students studying together, more scientists developing joint projects, more businesses identifying opportunities for cooperation, and more cultural exchange. Afterall, diplomacy is not only about relations between governments but about building trust between people and creating opportunities. My thanks and gratitude to all Embassy and Consular officials for their professionalism, commitment and daily work. The days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are a period of introspection, prayer and renewal, a time to examine our actions seeking reconciliation and repair what has been broken and finally to enter the new year with hope and humility. Am Israel Chai and Viva Chile.
Ambassador Amir Ofek, the Israeli Foreign Ministry's Deputy Director General of the Department of Latin America and the Caribbean, represented the Government of Israel. He spoke without notes and his talk was personal, relating his experience as a diplomat in Latin America. Twenty Eight years ago, when I was a cadet, I was transferred to Chile where I learnt to speak Spanish, well so I thought. Afterwards I was transferred to other Spanish speaking countries and I realized that I spoke Chilean and not Spanish. When working in Chile, I visited the Atacama desert in the north known as the driest region in the world and also visited the glaciers in the far south, an experience that I will always treasure. Twenty years later the circle has been closed and I am thankful for it being the Foreign Ministry's Deputy Director of its Latin American and Caribbean Department. We have lost four important years in our relationship and thus have a great deal of work to do. Viva Chile!
After his speech a recorded message by Chile's President Jose Antonio Kast was shown.
Thereafter, on stage, a toast by both Ambassadors Zaliasnik and Ofek was taken followed by a musical performance of traditional Chilean songs by Gabriela Trebitsch (soprano) accompanied by Ariel Toro on keyboard, Mr. Toro is President of the Chile - Israel Institute.
During the event, Ms. Sharren Haskel, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs arrived to congratulate Ambassador Zaliasnik on his auspicious celebration.
A lavish buffet including Chilean empanadas and ceviche as well as assado, chicken breast skewers, beef stew, canopies of salmon and avocado, crudites, pasta salad, a green salad as well as bulgur salad was served. For dessert there was a selection of five mousse including pistachio mousse and brownies as well as cheesecake, not forgetting a large variety of fresh fruit.
Among the many dignitaries which included ambassadors, diplomats, state officials, business men and women, representatives on NGOs was : Nadav Tamir, the Peres Centre for Peace and Innovation's Senior Advisor for Governmental and International Affairs, Dr. Dani Dayan Chairman of the Directorate of Yad Vashem, Eli Dallal, a Knesset Member , Ambassdor David Cohen, a previous Israeli Ambassador to Chile, Ms. Rael Goodman, Hadassah International Israel's Executive Dircetor. Ayala Meitav, the Tel Aviv - Yafo's Municipality's Senior Project Manager for International Relations, Dotan Smith, the Population and Immigration Authority's Head of the Assisted Voluntary Return Division, Wadie Abunasser, Spain's Honorary Consul and Director of the International Centre for Consultations, Ms. Miri Berger, The Israel - Latin America Chamber of Commerce's Executive Dircetor, Stanley Morais, El Al's Director of International Affairs, Tony Reichler, The Knesset's Head of International Relations, Dr. Rodolfo Klein, a retired dermitologist, originally from Santiago, Oscar Ledesma, originally from Chile, is a Firefighter in one of Israel's Firestations, . Hernan Lopez, Head of La Comunidad Chilena da Israel (CCHIL),
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On the eve of Tuesday, 8 September 2026, the Ambassador of the United States to the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. Mike and Mrs. Janet Huckabee hosted an festive and mamoth reception marking America's 250th Birthday. The reception was held at Jerusalem's Museum of Tolerance. The semiquincentennial celebration is when the United States adopted the Declaration of Independence on the 4th of July in 1776.
The Museum of Tolerance with its golden - hued facade and soaring glass walls span 180 000 metres over four floors and is located between modern western Jerusalem and the Old City.
In the museum's Tikun Olam Garden, there is a permanent exhibition honouring Jewish Nobel Laureates and great Teachers and Sages of Israel, dating to Yehuda Hanassi, all of whom contributed to mankind.
During the reception a number of guided tours of a powerful photographic exhibition entitled 62:29 were available. This exhibition documents the atrocities, heartbreak and heroism of the October 7th attacks in 2023, conveying a clear message that even in the deepest darkness there were points of light. These moments of courage and humanity are what sustain us, reminding us that our greatest strength lies in our unity.
A huge board displayed over 40 sponsors included Lockheed Martin, Watergen, Boeing, Amazon, Oracle, Google, Colgate, In Mobileye, Delta, Coca Cola, J.P. Morgan, Ritz Carlton, Microsoft, CBC Israel, Herzog, Motorola, Pfizer and Applied Materials, to name a few.
Close to 30 food stations including Ben and Jerry which served mostly traditional fare namely mini hamburgers, KFC chicken, lamb kebabs, smoked assado and brisket, Israeli shawarma, fish and chips, a salad bar of fattoush, baby tomato, Asian and ceasar salad and lastly root vegetable curry accompanied with coconut cream
Not forgetting that there was also a well stocked bar of exclusive Kentucky Bourbon and Herzog wine as well as a number of fridges of Watergen bottles which is atmospheric water generated to extract clean, mineral and enriched drinking water from the air.
The official ceremony took place in the Museum's amphitheatre where every seat had a cushion and a small U.S. flag. A large screen at the back of the stage where snaps and a film of previous U.S. 4th of July celebrations and of the United States beautiful landscape was shown.The Israel National Police Orchestra conducted by Maestro Vadim Musikov performed. Speeches were short and the evening's emphasis was on enjoyment.
H.E. Mr. Mike Hucabee opened the evening with a succinct speech expressing that the United States has so many reasons to thank G-d and thankfully we can do so in Jerusalem where the three Monastic faiths' forefathers i.e. Abrahams, Issac and Jacob lived. America's founding fathers based our national values on that of Judeo Chrsitian values. The United States's Declaration of Independence vests its power with the people.
Patricia Heaton, the Emcee,a philanthropist, activist and famous actor as well as a loyal and strong friend of Israel flew in for the occasion.
The Presentation of Colours by the Marine Security Guard Detachment of the United States Embassy in Israel accompanied by the Israeli National Police Band dumbfounded everyone present with their impressive performance.
Paul Kroeger, a U.S. diplomat and former opera singer sang the Star - Spangled Banner followed by Ishay Ribo's rendition of Israel's Hatikva.
The Emcee stated that despite Jerusalem being a complicated city, not only referring to the traffic, it is the intersection of three faiths.
A film was shown about the proposed and newly planned U.S. Embassy campus in Jerusalem.
A message by Israel's President, H.E. Isaach Herzog's brief speech included an anecdote about a Jew, Haim Solomon who came to the United States on the eve of independence tying his fate to the nascent state. The values of America embody and prioritizes faith in possibility and freedom, the latter carrying responsibility as the United States and Israel concomitantly stand against forces of tyranny. I value the Ambassador and his wife Janet's energies, their overwhelming message of positivity of which he speaks of almost daily.
Tri' Corley and his band, the Music City Connection from Tennessee flew in especially for this momentous occasion performing Neil Diamond's "They Coming To America", from the movie, the Jazz Singer. Ambassador Huckabee who started playing guitar at the age of 8 accompanied by Amir Ohana, Israel's Speaker of the Knesset stunned the guests by performing together with the band.
Israel's Prime Minister, H.E. Benjamin Netanyahu's short message on film started that America was not given its freedom but valiantly fought for it. Not the United States nor Israel bows to anyone as we fight for our power knowing that peace comes through strength. Together we stand and together we shall prevail.
Mr. Larry Mizel, the Museum of Tolerance's Chairman who for 25 years worked ceaselessly to realize the dream of actualizing a Museum of this magnitude in Jerusalem presented Ambassador Huckabee with the Torch of Abraham Award, the Museum's most prestigious accolade saying that he could not be a better friend to Israel as displayed in the war against Iran helping to develope the resilience of the Israeli people. His love of Jews and of Israel epitomizes his unbound loyalty. Through dialogue, inclusion and understanding he has brought people together embodying tolerance and mutual responsibility among people who differ.
Robert Davi, a well known American multi talented performer and jazz singer who as a young man worked with Frank Sinatra came especially for the evening's celebration. With his rich and sonorous voice he enthralled the audience performing three of his Mentor's songs which included "I Did It My Way", "Fly Me To The Moon" and a song written in 1946 against rabid Jew hatred in New York and antisemitism in the U.S.A.
An enormous birthday cake with the U.S.'s tricolours against a backdrop of 4 large sparklers was presented on a tier by 4 Marines. The birthday cake was sliced by Ambassador and Mrs. Huckabee.
The evening spectacular conclusion where Ambassador and Mrs Huckabee appeared on stage while the Knesset Speaker who represented the government of Israel, Mr. Amir Ohana played the guitar to "America the Beautiful" sung by Robert Davi and Paul Kroeger accompanied by the Israel National Police Orchestra conducted by Maestro Musikov.
Upon leaving, guests were presented with two gift packages of souvenirs.
We extends its heartfelt wishes to H.E. Mr. Mike and Mrs. Janet Huckabee and to all Embassy staff involved in preparing a memorable evening of entertainment, splendour, glamour and joy. May the United States and Israel's close relationship strengthen and remain steadfast in times of adversity.
G-d Bless and Long Live America.
Photos Silvia G. Golan
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