On Tuesday afternoon at the Kibbutz members dining room at Be'eri, the Ambassador of Greece to the State of Israel, H.E. Ms Maya Solomou hosted Greece's 204th anniversary of independence reception.
On the 25th of March 1821, fueled by the rallying cry, "Freedom or Death", Greek revolutionaries bagan a war for independence against the Ottoman Empire.The hard - fought victory established a sovereign Greek state and national homeland for Greece.
Mr. Josh Kostis, the Embassy's official translator, was Master of Ceremonies. He extended a warm welcome to everyone present and on behalf of the Greek Embassy expressed his thanks and gratitude to Kibbutz Be'eri for hosting the event. In case of rocket fire or an attack, safety instructions were announced.
The Ambassador, on behalf of the Embassy, thanked the residents of Kibbutz Be'eri from the bottom of our hearts who welcomed us to their premises and helped us organize this event. 204 Years after the Greek revolution, our country, despite all the challenges and difficulties, in a turbulent neighbourhood, remains a pillar of stability and peace, continuously seeking the progress and prosperity of its people while upholding its values and principles at every step. Greece and Israel share a historic bond, one built on a common cultural heritage, a deep - rooted friendship and a shared commitment to ideals that we wish to enhance and deepen further. From the first moment following the atrocities of October 7th, my country stood by Israel in its efforts to defend itself and secure its borders and its people. Our Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited Israel a few days after the terrible attack and another visit is in the pipeline for the near future. We urge for the unconditional release of all the hostages now so that the healing of the wounds can finally begin and the people of Israel can breathe again.
This year, a year in which Israel is still at war, we wanted to commemorate our national day here in the South with all our Israeli friends. We wanted to share this significant day with our friends in Kibbutz Be'eri, a symbol of courage, strength, persistence and resilience. We wanted to convey a message of support and solidarity to show that we have not forgotten that we stand with all the Kibbutzniks in their effort to heal the traumas and rebuild their lives, that we stand with all Israelis trying to learn to live in the aftermath of October 7th. We want to be next to you as hope and life will eventually replace the darkness. We want to be next to you as you remake your lives, rebuild your houses, plant your gardens and turn the ruins into light. Better days lie ahead and you will be able to dance again and when you do that we will dance with you.
Hamutal Rogel Fuchs, the Foreign Ministry's Head of the Southern Europe Department, represented the Government of Israel saying that it was an honour and pleasure to do so this afternoon in celebrating the Hellenistic Republic of Greece's independence day. Greece is the cradle of democracy where science, philosophy and art blossomed, creating the foundation of Western Civilization. Despite challenges from within and without, Greece has succeeded in establishing itself as an essential element of the Mediterranean basin and Europe. Israel and Greece enjoy what has proven to be a long - lasting relationship based on mutual respect and appreciation which contributes significantly to the strategic goal of peace and stability in our region. Two weeks ago our Minister of foreign Affairs was on an official visit to Athens meeting counterparts to discuss ways to expand and deepen cooperation.
We stand here today with Kibbutz Be'eri, the heart of the area devastated by the horrific massacre committed by Hamas on October 7, the darkest day in Israel's history. On a personal note, it is also very emotional for me since I was born and raised on a Kibbutz and we have built our house not far away from here in Ein Habsor. Standing here in Kibbutz Be'eri, is also a testament to resilience, determination and the unbreakable will to rebuild and live.
I would like to thank the government of the Hellenistic Republic for its efforts in preserving Jewish history in Greece and its commitment to raising awareness among the Greek people about the holocaust. The creation of the Holocaust Museum in Thessaloniki concomitant with national events held across Greece to mark International Holocaust Day are clear evidence of these efforts.
Youval Haran, Kibbutz Be'eri's Official Representative, spoke with alacrity and without any notes mentioning that his grandparents lived in Be'eri and that the Kibbutz was always a close knit community. On October 7th, his Father, Uncle and Aunt were killed and 7 family members kidnapped who were all returned. Life is strong and what happened in Be'eri is unacceptable as it is a human issue. Ha'azmaut not only means Independence but also Freedom. 102 People were murdered on the Kibbutz and 30 hostages were taken. We are elated that the Ambassador decided to host national day here. At present there are still 59 hostages in captivity. We in Be'eri started a way to live after October 7th and although most members are not presently living here but hope to return back home. It is my personal wish for everyone to know a better life and together have a better future in the hope that all hostages will return.
After the three tear jerking speeches which evoked much emotion the National anthems of Greece and Israel were played.
Guests enjoyed catering by Lalush Bakery from Kibbutz Be'eri and all produce served was from the Kibbutz which included traditional Greek food namely spanakopita, tzatziki, platters of vegetable crudites and a selection of cheese as well as wine imported from Greece and Ouzo, a dry anise flavoured aperitif.
Many Ambassadors made the effort to come from Tel Aviv as well as diplomats, state officials, heads of N.G.O. 's , public personalities such as internationally renowned Greek photographer, Vangel Kyris who will host an exhibition at the Eretz Israel Museum in Tel Aviv opening on the 28th of March. Also present were Mrs. Hamutal Rogel Fuchs, Head of the Israeli Foreign Ministry Southern Europe Department, Ambassador H.E. Mr. Dan Oryan the Foreign Ministry's Director of Civic Diplomacy, Mr. Ran Natanzon, Head of Foreign Ministry's Innovation and Country Branding , Public Diplomacy Division, Ms. Noga Caspi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director of Middle East Economic Relations Department, Mr. Shmuel Shevach, President of the Association of Survivors of Concentration Camps of Greek Origin Living in Israel, Mr. Kobi Bitton, who has been CEO of the Israel Greek Chamber of Commerce for the past 15 years, Dr. Ron Tomer, President of the Manufacturers' Association of Israel, Mr. Alan M. Schneider Adv, Director of B'nai B'rith World Centre, Mr. Konstantinos and Mrs. Maria Zinovios, the Greek Consul of Haifa, Colonel Konstantinos Bacharis who is on a year's sabbatical studying at the Israel National Defence College, Mr. Nathan Allalouf, Honorary Consul of Costa Rica and owner of Allalouf and Co. Shipping Ltd. and Mr. Ariel Goldshtein, Senior Advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister's Office, Ms. Ayala Meitav, The Tel Aviv - Jaffa Municipality's Senior Project Manager for International Relations, .
Diplomacy.co.il expresses its congratulations to the Ambassador of Greece and to the staff of the Embassy of Greece's on its 204th anniversary of independence as well as its thanks and appreciation for an unforgettable time at the Kibbutz Be'eri.
Photos credit Silvia G. Golan
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