Jerusalem, Israel - May 1, 2025 - Thursday afternoon, President Isaac Herzog hosted ambassadors, diplomats, and representatives of nations, faith communities, and international multilateral organizations for a special reception marking Israel’s 77th Independence Day.
The annual holiday reception hosted at the President’s Residence with the participation of Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar was attended by US Ambassador Mike Huckabee, as well as representatives of the Abraham Accords nations, including the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates and representatives of Bahrain.
Addressing the event, President Herzog began by thanking those nations that offered assistance to Israel as its firefighters and rescue services battled the fires across the country over the past days. He said, “I want to express my profound gratitude to the countries that have stepped forward to help us in a stark moment of crisis, helping turn it into a moment of human solidarity. I pray, along with all of us, for the safety of our communities, our brave firefighters, and for a rapid and full resolution to this disaster.”
The President said, “Seventy-seven years ago, the Jewish people, still on the ashes of the Holocaust, stood on its feet and took a radical leap forward: establishing the independent, Jewish and democratic State of Israel. Our young state proceeded to reach heights that no one would have thought possible. Emerging victorious on the battlefield. Making peace with former enemies. Establishing a vibrant democracy. And eventually becoming a world-leader in science and innovation; helping find sustainable solutions in agriculture, medicine, and so many of the fields that hold humanity’s most pressing challenges.”
He noted that key among these challenges was the immediate return of all the hostages held in Gaza. “Our hearts and minds go out at this moment, first and foremost, to our hostages, who are still buried, alive and dead, in Hamas’ underground dungeons. This grievous and ongoing crime violates every legal, ethical, and human norm.” He urged, “I call upon all of your nations, all of your governments, and upon all people of morality, to see in this moment the moment to act swiftly and decisively with us to end this horrendous crime. And bring all of them home. Every last one. Urgently.”
The President added that the world must stand united in preventing Iran’s ongoing efforts to spread terror. He said, “It is not our battle alone. In this battle, we must all stand united. We must jointly ensure that Iran never reaches its nuclear goals. We must insist that it end its subversive terror activities, including arming and orchestrating the terrorism of its radical proxies.”
The President reiterated, “My friends, this gathering here shows clearly: there is another way. Diplomacy and dialogue can forge new realities. I pray for the moment when corridors of connectivity that bring security, prosperity, and peace will stretch from Israel to India. Not as a distant dream, but as a clear and present reality.”
The President thanked the attendees and concluded, “Israel’s story is one of resilience, audacity, and hope. And we hold fast to these deep resources now. I look forward to continuing to work with all of you, as we come together in goodwill, commitment, and purpose, to transform pain into growth, and to shape a shared future of stability, peace, and prosperity.”
Food and wine, and ice cream were served buffet style. The weather was pleasant. After the fires yesterday, no smoke was noticeable in the casual setting in the back garden.
The final speaker after the Foreign Minister was Rachel Goldberg-Polin. She is the mother of Hersh, who was taken hostage on October 7 and murdered in captivity nearly a year later. Petit in stature, her powerful address to the international audience packed an emotional punch. She spoke movingly about her murdered son, his memory, and his ordeal at the hands of Hamas terrorists.
“Our country, Israel, is bursting with potential. It is a magnificent, complicated, textured, sacred, hurting, diverse, blessed, and battered place. It has challenges and opportunities at this fragile time, with its 77th birthday, and so my dear friend, Israel, there is so much I would like to wish for you, but most supreme and urgent is the wish to reclaim the identity of the heart, core, and DNA of this treasured land, and that is bringing home the remaining 59 precious hostages.
"It won't be easy, but nothing meaningful in life ever is, and it is absolutely doable, as long as people with power decide that it is an interest and an equity for them. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I am simply a regular person, but I know that every single one of you here has the ability to help make this happen. You were not put here by chance,” she emphasized.
After a hug from Michal Herzog, she left quickly for her next speaking engagement. People stood and applauded, many with tears in their eyes. Her words were soul-piercing. If only they would get through to those in the audience to take action.
