The Embassy of Israel in the UK celebrated Israel's 68th Independence Day with receptions in London, Cardiff, Manchester and Glasgow.
The reception in London was attended by over 1,200 people, including Matthew Hancock MP,
Tobias Ellwood MP, Lord Howard of Lympne, the ambassadors of the USA, Mongolia
and Egypt, and many other distinguished guests.
Welcoming Mark Regev formally as
Israel's Ambassador to the Court of St. James', MP for the Middle East Tobias
Ellwood said:
"I don't have to repeat the
importance of the relationship, and it is reflected in the number of senior
visits going between our two countries, from our Prime Minister to the Foreign
Secretary; from Cabinet members visiting to the Mayor of London and indeed many
members of Parliament visits as well, and in turn your country has
responded"
Ambassador Mark Regev said:
"I am very pleased to see here this evening so many British friends of Israel, who unite with us to celebrate our Independence Day.
The State of Israel is 68 years young and we have so much to be proud of.
I am honored to be standing before you for the first time as Israel’s ambassador, because by any objective criteria, Israel is an amazing success story.
We have gone from being a stateless and homeless people, to becoming a sovereign and independent nation.
Having been powerless in the face of persecution, and victims of violent attacks, we the Jewish people now have the power to defend ourselves.
We have taken in millions of penniless refugees, and made them proud citizens of a free country.
We have welcomed in people from all four corners of the earth and successfully forged a pluralistic yet united society.
We have revived and revitalized our ancient national language.
Without natural resources, we have built a dynamic first world economy.
Israel leads in innovation.
Israel leads in hi-tech.
Israel leads in cyber.
Israel leads in Nobel Prize laureates.
Without water, we have agriculture that leads the planet in so many areas.
We’re number one in recycling water and desalinization.
And despite our small size, Israel is among the first to provide humanitarian assistance across the globe following natural and man-made disasters.
And most importantly, in a region plagued by tyranny and extremism, we have built a stable democracy where all citizens have equal rights, Jew and non-Jew alike.
In the volatile and dangerous Middle East, Israel stands out as a beacon of stability and freedom.
For all these reasons and so many more, I am proud of my country. Just as I am proud of our strong partnership with the United Kingdom.
A partnership based on common values and shared interests.
I am glad to report to you all that cooperation between our two countries in a whole host of areas continues to accelerate rapidly.
Cooperation that makes both our peoples more prosperous and more secure.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Israel may be 68 years old, but we are neither slowing down nor getting ready to retire.
With energy, vitality and a touch of chutzpah, Israel embraces the hope of our next 68 years.
Thank you and חג שמח."