Celebrating 66 National Day of the People’s Republic of China

The National Day of China is officially commemorated on October 1st. On that day, many large-scaled activities are held nationwide. These include Military Review & Parade at Tiananmen Square. Other activities include flag-raising ceremonies, dance and song shows and fireworks displays.

In Israel, commemorating the event took place at the Tel Aviv Hilton Hotel on September 24th.

At the reception area, the invitees were offered a selection of complementary books and DVD covering a variety of topics. These included Chinese history, Culture, and diplomacy.

The host of Chinese dignitaries that welcome the guests in one of the spacious halls at the hotel included, the Chinese Ambassador to Israel, His Excellency Zhan Yongxin, First Secretary Dr. Li Zhongzhou and others.

At the entrance to the event hall, the invitees could enjoy an exhibition of paintings depicting various themes related to the founding of the People’s Republic of China and their victory in WWII.

Traditional Chinese decorations mostly in red were visible all over the hall which was quickly filling up with many guest, many of whom were high ranking officials in the Israeli political echelons. In attendance were Former Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman, Ran Cohen President of Israel Asia Chamber of Commerce and former Minister of Industry and Trade. Also seen was Yariv Levin Minister of Tourism, Former Minister of Justice, MK Tzipi Livni , Tal Brody, Goodwill Ambassador and former Captain of Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball Team and his wife Tirzah,  from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs :  Ambassador Shlomo Morgan from the Protocol Department and ambassador Raphael Gamzou Deputy Director General Head of the Division for Cultural and Scientific Affairs . The guest of honor was President Reuven Ruvi Rivlin.

The official program commenced with the playing of the National Anthem of China and Hatikvah, respectively.

Following that, the Chinese Ambassador delivered his speech.

He shared China’s strategic vision of comprehensively building a moderately prosperous society, comprehensively deepening reform, promoting the rule of law and enforcing strict party discipline. He went on to state that in order to realize that dream China will carry on reform and opening up. It will continue to secure progress while maintaining stability and keep the economy develop at a reasonable range.

On the diplomatic level, he added, “China will adhere to the diplomatic doctrines of Peace development and cooperation maintain the opening up strategy of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation and strive for a harmonious world of lasting Peace and prosperity.

The Ambassador also stressed the sound and steady relationship between China and Israel, the strengthening of political mutual trust and the expanding economic and trade links.”

A short movie featuring members of the Chinese Jewish community who arrived there as refugees from Germany, their contributions and the close relations with members of the Chinese society was presented.

President Rivlin spoke next. He thanked the Ambassador for his warm welcome and likewise stressed the close friendship between the two countries, a friendship reflected in mutual understanding, one that honors and respects the oldest of traditions but produces the modern technology and economic development. “I am especially proud,” the President added, “of the cooperation between our two governments and our peoples on issues such as environment, agriculture, and energy. We will work together for a better and more prosperous future for all our children, for the whole world.”

Both presidents raised a toast to the Jewish New Year and to a promising future of joined efforts of the two countries.

The performance program that followed included a few dances, a Chinese Martial art show and a Tea Show.

A traditional dinner of delectable Chinese dishes was served and brought the evening to an end.

The executive director and staff of www.diplomacy.co.il join in congratulating the government and the people of China on their national day celebrations.

Photos Silvia G Golan

 Photo Dancers by Tal Brody

 Photo Dancers by Tal Brody