Raising a toast to Israel in Delhi

With a spread focused on

Israeli

food and performances that highlighted the relations between India and Israel, the

Embassy of Israel

celebrated its 74th Independence Day with fervour in the capital recently. Hosted by Israeli ambassador Naor Gilon, the event also marked 30 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Gilon spoke about the three decades of friendship between the countries, and his experience in India, “My family and I arrived here seven months ago, and we felt at home from the very first moment. The welcome was warm, and the level of friendship and admiration towards

Israel

here is unprecedented, compared to any other place in the world.”

Our countries’ relationship is built on our history and culture: S Jaishankar
Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, who was the chief guest, said the event was special for India, too. “This is truly a special relationship for us as it has been built on our history and culture. And despite the geographical distance, I think the natural affinity between our people is quite visible,” he said, adding, “I had the pleasure of staying in Israel, and I felt the warmth and affection for India first-hand.” Indian Ambassador to Israel Sanjeev Kumar Singla was also invited on stage to raise a celebratory toast with
Gilon and Jaishankar.

‘It feels good to attend an event, but we’re cautious due to the pandemic’
Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria Eleonora Dimitrova said that it was good to attend an event after a gap since the pandemic. "It is good, but we are a bit cautious because of the rising cases,” she said. The Cultural Attache at the Embassy of Israel Reuma said that they had switched to virtual celebrations during the pandemic, and it was not the same. “Visitors are coming again, and I am happy that an event is finally happening in person,” she shared.

Musical connection
Present as a special guest, Israeli actor Tsahi Halevi, who is known for his work in

Mossad

and

Fauda

, gave a musical performance. After the actor-singer crooned a song in Hebrew, he took the guests by surprise with a rendition of a Bollywood classic Yaara Teri
Yaari Ko.

Also setting the perfect mood for the occasion through her music was Israeli DJ Avital Barak, who had last played for the event in 2018.“I was looking forward to coming here again. I love how diverse the crowd is, it is fun to play for them,” she said.

- Riya Yadav