Photo H.E. Mr. Maciej Hunia with Mr Yoav Kisch, Minister of Education
On Monday, 25 November 2024 the Charge d' Affaires a.i. of the Republic of Poland to the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. Maciej Hunia and Mrs. Bozena Hunia together with the Defense, Military, Naval and Air Attache of the Republic of Poland, Colonel Adam Godlewski and Mrs. Dorota Godlewski hosted a reception in honor of Poland's National Independence Day and Polish Armed Forces Day at the Dan Hotel, Tel Aviv. .
H.E. Mr. Maciej Hunia started his speech by welcoming everyone present. On 11 November 1918, Poland regained its freedom after 123 years of partition by Russia, Prussia and Austria. This victory wasn' t just Polish - it was shared by many, including Jewish citizens. Among 30 000 soldiers of Piludski's Legions, the second largest ethnic group were Jews. For Poland, just like Israel, security is our top priority, the most important matter. In 2024, we celebrate 25 years of Poland's membership in Nato. For us, Nato is more than a military alliance, it is a guarantee of freedom which transformed Poland. We have had active troops in the Balkans and in Afghanistan. It reflects our awareness of the threats we face, especially from Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Since 7 October 2023, Israel has endured unprecedented threats, while Israeli society has been suffering an unparalleled sacrifice. Numerous families live in the shadow of tragedy, with loved ones still held hostage in Gaza. Among them was Alex Dancyg, a dear friend of Poland, tragically murdered. Oded Lifshitz, an 83 year old Israeli Polish citizen is still in captivity. The families of Alex and Oded are here with us today. Hope lies in our youth. It is our responsibility to invest in the next generation, enabling them to meet, exchange ideas and build understanding. This is the aim of the Polish - Israeli agreement on youth study visits. The Ambassador concluded by thanking guests for joining in the celebration.
Representing the State of Israel was Mr Yoav Kisch, Minister of Education who spoke. As we gather today to commemorate Polish Independence Day, I am honoured to extend heartfelt greetings on behalf of the Israeli government. This day marks a pivotal moment in Poland's history - a day when the spirit of resilience, unity and hope triumphed leading to the restoration of national sovereignty in 1918. It is a testament to the strength of the Polish people that they have continually demonstrated their dedication to preserving their identity and culture. At this moment we must also acknowledge the current war we face in Israel, as we confront the ongoing threat posed by terrorism and the brutal actions of Hamas and Hezbollah. Just as Poland fought for its independence and the safety of its people, we too are dedicated to defending our nation against those who chose terror and violence trying to destroy our country. The 7th of October was the most terrible day since the Holocaust. Among the kidnapped were 14 Israeli - Polish citizens. Let us celebrate this day of Polish independence with joy and pride reflecting on the achievements of the past while looking forward to a future filled with promise.May the bonds of friendship between Poland and Israel continue to grow stronger fostering peace, understanding and shared success for all of us.
Before the two speeches both anthems were sung i.e. the Polish anthem, "Mazurek Dąbrowskiego" and Israel's "Hatikva".
A ballad of the "First Brigade of the Polish Legion" (1914 - 1917) was sung, this was the official anthem of the Polish Army.
A sumptuous buffet dinner accompanied by wines of extraordinary repute was served in the adjoining hall including scrumptious desserts.
Among the guests were: Mr. Gil Haskel, Chief of State Protocol at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs ;Mr. Yossi Levy - a former Israeli Ambassador to Lithuania who currently serves as the Foreign Ministry's Special Envoy for the Restitution of Holocaust Assets ; Mr. Mordechai Palzur - a former Chairman of the World Jewish Congress's Institute for Research and Policy and Israel's first Ambassador to Poland in 1991 who is also a recipient of the Polish merit of order for cementing Israeli - Polish bilateral relations; Brig. General (R) Ephraim Sneh, M.D. - former Minister of Health and Minister of Transport and Deputy Minister of Defence; Dr. Lea Ganor - a social historian who is a senior scholar at Bar Ilan University Holocaust Research Institute, Head of the Poland Forum, and Director of the "Mashmaut" Centre (Heritage Holocaust Tradition Values and Rebirth) who also proudly wore her order of merit awarded to her in 2020 by the Republic of Poland for her contribution in the field of education between Israel and Poland ; Mr. Gabriel Hayon - Chairman of the Diplomatic Institute ; Mr. Emmanuel Shapira Rabbanian - Director of Delegations for Dan Hotels and many distinguished ambassadors and military attaches,
Diplomacy.co.il warmly congratulates the Republic of Poland on its National Independence Day and Polish Armed Forces Day.
Photos credit Silvia Golan
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More Pics & videos at Facebook Diplomacy Israel / Israel Diplo / Silvia G Golan
