Embassy of Israel in the Philippines · Press release

Embassy of Israel celebrates Sukkot with message of hospitality and friendship

September 28, 2026 · Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

Press release and photographs provided by the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines through Rosemarie Chavez. Published by Sir Next with the Embassy’s supplied photo captions.

The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines celebrated Sukkot with diplomats, government officials, members of the diplomatic community, and friends of Israel gathered under a traditional sukkah in Bonifacio Global City on Thursday evening.

Sukkah decorated with palm leaves, children's decorations and photos of Israel and the Philippines — The Embassy of Israel built a sukkah with palm leaves, photos of tourism spots in Israel and the Philippines, and hanging decorations personally created by children. Photo: Embassy of Israel in the Philippines.

Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh opened the program by highlighting hospitality as one of the central values of Sukkot, a Jewish holiday that commemorates the period when the Israelites lived in temporary shelters during their journey through the desert.

Ambassador Kursh noted that the sukkah carries a familiar image for Filipinos, resembling the traditional Filipino bahay kubo, a simple home associated with openness, community, and welcoming others.

Ambassador Dana Kursh speaking while holding a framed illustration during the Sukkot celebration — Ambassador Dana Kursh shares the meaning of Sukkot and its message of hospitality, friendship, and community. Photo: Embassy of Israel in the Philippines.

The celebration also recalled an important chapter in Philippines–Israel relations: the Philippines’ decision to open its doors to Jewish refugees fleeing the Holocaust.

During the program, former Philippine Ambassador Maria Zeneida “Zen” Angara Collinson reflected on the hospitality extended by Filipinos to Jewish refugees. Under the leadership of President Manuel L. Quezon, the Philippines adopted an Open Door policy that provided a new home to approximately 1,300 Jewish refugees. The gesture of compassion became an important part of the historical connection between the Philippines and Israel.

Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles Brown also spoke about hospitality and welcoming others as important values in the Christian tradition.

The gathering also featured the upcoming launch of Arkia Israel Airlines’ direct Manila–Tel Aviv service, which the Embassy said is scheduled to begin next year. Three guests received tickets for direct flights to Israel courtesy of the airline.

Deputy Chief of Mission Ariel Seidman, Arkia representative Michal Kaplan and Ambassador Dana Kursh at the ticket raffle — From left: Deputy Chief of Mission Ariel Seidman; Arkia’s Michal Kaplan, revenue management head of long-haul routes; and Ambassador Dana Kursh during the raffle draw for three guests who won direct Manila–Israel flight tickets. Photo: Embassy of Israel in the Philippines.

The Sukkot celebration brought together members of the diplomatic corps and friends of the Embassy to learn more about the Jewish holiday while reflecting on the longstanding friendship between Israel and the Philippines.

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.

Source: Embassy of Israel in the Philippines press release supplied to Sir Next by Rosemarie Chavez. Minor copy edits were made for grammar and clarity.