National Day Message by H. E. Mr. Yoram Elron, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel to the Republic of Bulgaria

On April 15 is Yom H’atzmaut, the day when we are celebrating our national freedom with great pride. Israel’s independence is the fulfilment of a two thousand year old dream: the return to our historic homeland. A collective hope which survived two millennia to see its realization.

As we celebrate 73 years of independence, we can and should take great pride in our accomplishments. Despite the odds and the hardships, we have managed to turn a barren land back to life and to build a vibrant and modern nation.

As the acclaimed Hebrew poet Shaul Tchernichovsky wrote: "man is nothing but the shape of his native landscape". Today, a mere seven decades after its establishment, this "landscape" comprises a modern nation build on strong democratic foundations. With scarce natural resources, we have turned to human capital and made a name for ourselves in many areas on the international stage. Israel has become a start up nation and is at the cutting edge of innovation and high tech. Thus, we are today quite naturally also at the forefront of the technological based endeavors to combat the Corona Virus.

All these accomplishments have materialized whilst successfully absorbing millions of immigrants from Europe, the Middle East, the former Soviet Union, Ethiopia and beyond.

On this day, it is also imperative to mention the special bonds between Israel and Jewish Communities worldwide for which we take great pride and which transcend physical distance. Here in Bulgaria, Jewish Community life is indeed thriving.

I am privileged to serve as the Israeli Ambassador to Bulgaria, with which we have strong longstanding bonds of friendship. Bulgaria is an ally and a friend. I take this opportunity to thank Bulgaria for its steadfast and unyielding support for Israel in international fora, for which we are extremely grateful. We are committed to deepen and expand this alliance even further.

We are fortunate that in our days we are able to witness the fulfillment of the words of the prophets of Israel, hence to be part of a generation that has been blessed to witness the revival of the Jewish state in our ancient homeland.

Long live the friendship between the Israeli and Bulgarian people.

The material was provided by the Embassy of the State of Israel to the Republic of Bulgaria. On the photo: H. E. Mr. Yoram Elron, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel to the Republic of Bulgaria