On the 9th, Israelis embroiled in war with Palestine raised their glasses in celebration, smiling brightly for that day at the Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. This occasion marked the 77th anniversary of Israel's independence.
Raphael Harpaz, the Israeli ambassador to Korea, said, "Throughout history, the Jewish people and the state of Israel have faced many difficulties, but in every generation we have never lost our spirit. We have believed in supporting each other, creating, innovating, and in the power of light over darkness."
Israel declared independence on May 14, 1948. After being scattered around the world due to the Roman attack on Jerusalem in A.D. 70, Israelis began to migrate to Palestine from the 19th century and eventually established a nation.
Israel holds Independence Day events every year on May 14. In Korea, an Independence Day event was held for the first time in seven years after the 70th anniversary celebration in Yongsan-gu, Seoul in 2018. An official from the Israeli embassy in Korea explained, "The events could not be held due to COVID-19 and the war during that time."
As it was an Independence Day event for Israel, various Israeli heritage items filled the occasion. Traditional Israeli foods such as hummus, pita bread, falafel, and Israeli salad were prepared for guests. Beverages, including Segal's white wine produced in the Galilee region of Israel, were also provided, imported by the Israeli embassy in Korea.
To introduce Israel's unique culture, a celebratory performance was held by Israeli choreographer and dancer Mor Jessica Mizrahi. Additionally, the Israeli national anthem, "Hatikvah," resonated in succession with the Korean national anthem.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Colin Crooks, the British ambassador to Korea; Park Jin, former Minister of Foreign Affairs; In Yo-han, a member of the People Power Party; and Hwang Woo-yeo, president of the Korea-Israel Friendship Association, who congratulated Israel on its Independence Day. Jo Gu-rae, head of the diplomatic strategy and information office, said, "Israel has been Korea's valuable ally for many years."
However, the scars of war were felt throughout the venue. Since the surprise attack by the Palestinian armed faction Hamas on October 7, 2023, Israel has been at war for one year and eight months in the Gaza Strip. Currently, 55 people in Israel are held hostage by Hamas.
At the entrance of the event venue, stories of 23 Israeli female heroes who showed courage in the war were exhibited. Among them was the story of senior paramedic (MDA) Linoy El'azra, who guided an 8-year-old boy, Mikael, whose parents were killed, on how to evacuate with his younger sibling.
Ambassador Harpaz noted, "While tonight's celebration is filled with joy, we must remember that since October 7, 2023, Israel has been engaged in a forced war. Today, 55 hostages are still detained in inhumane conditions by Hamas in the Gaza Strip."
Barak Shine, deputy chief of mission at the Israeli embassy in Korea, also stated, "Even today as we celebrate, Israel remains at war, and hostages are being held in the Gaza Strip. We have endured countless hardships over the past year and a half, but our people's spirit has never been broken, even in the toughest moments."