The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines recently celebrated Sukkot in Bonifacio Global City. Sukkot is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the period when the Israelis lived in temporary shelters during their journey through the desert.
During the celebration, the embassy officials, members of the diplomatic community, Philippine government officials, and friends and partners of Israel, congregated under a traditional “sukkah” or temporary tent.
Israeli Ambassador Dana Kursh opened the program by highlighting hospitality as one of the central values of Sukkot. She noted sukkah carries a familiar image for Filipinos, resembling the traditional “bahay kubo,” a simple home associated with openness, community, and welcoming others.
According to former Philippine Ambassador Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson, the event was also commemorative of the time when the Philippines opened its doors to Jewish refugees fleeing the Holocaust. Under the leadership of President Manuel L. Quezon, the country adopted an Open Door policy that provided a new home to approximately 1,300 Jews. She noted this gesture of compassion became an important part of the historical connection between the two countries.
The event also introduced the upcoming launch of Arkia Israel Airlines direct Manila-Tel Aviv service, scheduled to begin next year. Three guests were picked to win tickets for direct flights to Israel courtesy of the airline.
For the embassy, the celebration was an opportunity to share the traditions of Sukkot while remembering a history of friendship rooted in hospitality and the continued people-to-people ties between Filipinos and Israelis.
