On Thursday, 10 October 2024, Ms. Abby Ya- Ping Lee, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Tel Aviv, the de facto Embassy of Taiwan to Israel hosted a memorable and elegant reception at the King David ballroom in honor of her country's 113th anniversary of independence.
Upon arrival guests were served wine, mineral water and canopies followed by the official ceremony where the Israeli anthem preceded the Taiwnese.
Guest of honour, Mayor of Jerusalem, Mr. Moshe Lion started his speech by acknowledging everyone present, saying that this is the first time that Taiwan decided to host its national day reception in Jerusalem. Shared values between Taiwan and Israel in the fields of youth development, education, culture, etc. displays the closeness and intensity between the two countries. He called for the international community to stand united and resilient in the face of terror and concluded by calling for the return of all surviving hostages in Gaza and the repatriation of residents to their homes in the north and south, many of whom have been hosted in hotels in Jerusalem for over a year.
Mr. Mikey Levy, former Jerusalem Chief of Police and Speaker of the Knesset mentioned the close relations that coexist between the two countries, palpably manifested by Taiwan after the atrocities of 7th October 2024 as well as intense collaboration in the fields of innovation, technology, science and democracy.
Taiwan's de facto ambassador, Ms. Abby Ya - Ping Lee mentioned that now is a special time to honour the two countries' shared values and strengthen the existing friendship between the two countries. She elaborated upon Taiwan's actions and support of Israel after the aftermath of October 7th attacks and mentioned important projects that co-exist in the fields of innovation, technology, agriculture, health. In conclusion she called for the release of the remaining 101 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
In 2024 Taiwan was voted the 10th most democratic country worldwide. It is also the largest manufacturer of semiconductors. The dream of the incumbent President is to transform Taiwan into an island and model of AI.
Following the 7th of October, Taipei's iconic "101" skyscraper was lit up in blue and white as a gesture of solidarity with Israel. President Tsai Ing-Wen, Taiwan's former President, was amongst the first to condemn Hamas and voice his support for Israel.
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Tel Aviv, Taiwan's de facto Embassy to the State of Israel donated $70 000 to Pitchon - Lev, a NGO's, whose aim is to alleviate poverty in Israel. In addition a further $500 000 was bequeathed to the Israeli government with the expressed purpose of procuring medical supplies. Volunteer efforts on behalf of Ms. Abby Ya-Ping Lee in agriculture and working with farmers adversely affected by the war have also been forthcoming.
Among the auspicious guests of 300 invitees were Mr. Moshe Lion, the Mayor of Jerusalem, MK Mickey Levy, the former Speaker of the Knesset, and his wife Nurit. MK Matan Cahana, MK Boaz Bismuth, Knesset Member Ram Ben Barak, MK Matti Sarfati Harcavi, MK Vladimir Beliak, Ambassador Peleg Lewi - Israel Ministry of Tourism, Honorable Judge Yaron Levi, former Minister Mr. Nachman Shai, former Minister Eitan Ginzburg, former Ambassador to Japan Ms. Ruth Kahanoff, Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan, Mr. Gabriel Hayon, President of the Diplomatic Institute, Mrs. Patty Lin, Director of Taitra (Taiwan Trade & Innovation Center, Tel-Aviv), Eli Assoolin, CEO & Founder of Newsight Imaging, Yoseph Haddad, journalist and advocacy activist for Israel, Eylon Levy, former spokesman for the State of Israel, and ambassadors, diplomats, military, business and civil society leaders.
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Photos credit Silvia G. Golan
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