Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, friends!
Kalispera, Good evening and shalom!
Tonight, we gather here in Nicosia to celebrate Israel’s 75th anniversary of independence.
Israel's path to independence has been characterized by resilience and determination.
From the barren desert, we have built a vibrant nation that has made remarkable contributions in various fields, inspiring the world with our innovation and achievements.
I want to take this opportunity to acquaint you with three words in Hebrew.
These words cannot be easily translated into other languages and knowing them can help you better understand Israel and its people.
The first word is חוצפה (𝗖𝗵𝘂𝘁𝘇𝗽𝗮𝗵):
This Hebrew word can be translated into a combination of audacity, impoliteness, assertiveness, and even nerve.
Chutzpah reflects the Israeli attitude of being bold, fearless, and unafraid to express oneself.
Israelis are often known for their directness, willingness to take risks, and challenging of authority.
This audacious spirit is deeply ingrained in Israeli culture and is an essential trait in our approach to life.
It manifests in various aspects of Israeli society, including our thriving start-up ecosystem.
The second word is תושיה (𝗧𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗶'𝘆𝗮):
This Hebrew word translates to "resourcefulness" or "ingenuity."
Tushi'ya represents the ability to find creative solutions and overcome challenges, often with limited resources.
Israelis are renowned for their adaptive thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to improvise.
This resourcefulness is deeply rooted in Israeli society due to historical circumstances and the need to navigate a challenging environment.
Israelis' ability to think outside the box, adapt quickly to changing circumstances, and find innovative solutions has contributed to our remarkable achievements in defense, technology, science, health, culture and various other fields.
The third word is חבר'ה (𝗛𝗲𝘃'𝗿𝗲):
This Hebrew word translates to "mates," "buddies," or "pals" and embodies a strong sense of companionship, loyalty, and friendship.
“Hev're” reflects the importance of social connections and a tight-knit community in Israeli culture.
This sense of togetherness extends beyond personal relationships and encompasses a broader collective responsibility towards society.
Together, these traits (Chutzpah, Tushiya and Hev’re) form Israel's dynamic and vibrant society, our innovative mindset, and our strong social bonds.
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Speaking of social bonds, I believe that the true strength of Israel lies in its people and in its human diversity.
Despite its small size, Israel is home to people from various ethnic, religious, cultural and social backgrounds.
This year we chose to demonstrate this aspect through the Outdoor photo exhibition "Diversity: A State of Mind” by renowned Israeli photographers Natan Dvir & Gabi Ben Avraham.
The exhibition brings to light the fascinating differences and similarities of the Israeli multi-faceted society, reflected in everyday life.
In recent weeks, the exhibition was presented in prime locations in Larnaca and Limassol.
As of tomorrow, it will be on display in Eleftheria Square in the center of Nicosia.
Tonight, you have the opportunity to walk through the exhibition and take a journey through the Israeli State of Mind.
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Two weeks ago, I made another journey. I had the honor to join President Christodoulides in his visit in Israel.
His visit took place during days in which Israeli citizens were attacked by a terror organization from Gaza that fired hundreds of rockets at them.
The support and solidarity expressed by the President in this visit were well received and appreciated by Israel’s leadership and people.
This visit was not merely a symbol of diplomatic ties, but a reaffirmation of the deep strategic alliance between our nations.
Tonight, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to all those whose contribution helped bringing us to the current level of friendship; many of them are present here tonight.
Looking forward, I am filled with optimism for the future of our alliance.
Israel’s “birthday” celebrations will continue throughout 2023. Stay tuned to a series of events to be culminated at the Nicosia International Festival that will have a special focus on Israel, including performances by the world-known Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company and the renowned Ha’bimah National Theatre.
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Thank you for joining us in this special occasion. May our partnership and friendship continue to thrive for generations to come.