Friends!

Friends! Now Israelis are rubbing their tears for the fallen in the wars and raise the national flag, as after sunset begins Israel's main state holiday - Independence Day. I congratulate Israel on this joyous and happy day!

Israel Independence Day is celebrated on the 5th of Iyar by the Jewish calendar for that day (in 1948 it fell on May 14) David Ben-Gurion declared the establishment of the State of Israel.

Israel Independence Day, or Yom Atsmaut – is the most important day for all Jews. Israel's fate was sealed on the 29th of November 1947, when the UN resolution was declared the creation of two independent states in Palestine. 8 hours before the end of the British mandate on the land of Israel, future Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion read the Declaration of Independence of Israel. Finally, Jews could enjoy and feel home. But 5 hours after gaining independence, the neighboring countries of Israel declared war. So again the Israelites had to cameto arms and defend the newly created state.

So now on the Independence Day, people gather at the streets of all cities of Israel and do what they failed to do in '69 - Celebrate sincerely and carefree! Music is playing everywhere, buildings are decorated with state symbols in synagogues is heard prayer "Halel." Most Israelis like to go on picnics and nature, to relax with the family. In the evening – all dance and have fun time.

Friends! Israel is a close friend of Ukraine. This proves the strong historical connection between the Ukrainian and Israelis. Those who have built an independent state in the Middle East in many cases lived next door to us. For them, Ukraine was the first homeland. And now Israel is home to over half a million people from Ukraine, which continue to develop and improve the country.

Therefore, we continue to develop relations between peoples and our countries. Fates of Israel and Ukraine are similar, independence for them is not just a word, for it both of countries payed a high price and continue to do it.

I am grateful to the Israelis that in a difficult time for Ukraine they has extended a helping hand to Ukrainian: Israel treated tens of Ukrainian soldiers, Israel sent humanitarian supplies to displaced persons, shared invaluable experience of Ukrainian psychologists, physicians and volunteers. I, as Honorary Consul of Israel, will continue to make efforts to strengthen comprehensive relations between Ukraine and Israel.

I congratulate Israel on Independence Day and wish the residents of Israel goodness, peace and prosperity!