In Hong Kong, this year’s annual official Independence Day reception, sponsored by the Consul General of Israel, Dan Ben-Eliezer, truly represented the spirit of friendship between Hong Kong and the State of Israel.

The event was held on 8 May 2008 at the Shangri-La in Kowloon. The guest of honour Mr. Donald Tsang, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR, along with Consul General Dan Ben-Eliezer, jointly took to the podium adjacent to which stood the flags of Israel, Hong Kong and the People’s Republic of China. The anthem of Israel was played followed by that of China.

The festivities commenced with a special performance given by some of Carmel’s youngest students while a presentation of photographs of some of Israel’s most beautiful and recognisable sites flashed on a screen.

Chief Executive Tsang delivered a speech in which he discussed fond memories of the spirit he encountered on past trips he had taken to Israel. His speech conveyed a real sense of admiration for the nation of Israel and its many accomplishments.

Among the guests were Mr. Lu Xin-hua, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong SAR, representatives of the Hong Kong SAR Government, the consul generals from Argentina, Belgium, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Russia, Spain, Turkey, the USA, Venezuela and Vietnam, as well as leaders of the Hong Kong business community, media, cultural, academic and religious organisations.

This Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration was truly a global gathering. The national representation added a new meaning to this event.

In other cities throughout Asia, similar traditional receptions were held by Foreign Ministry representatives, marking this important milestone for the State of Israel and world Jewry.

It was an opportunity for Jews everywhere and friends of Israel to express solidarity with the State of Israel.