Israel’s UN envoy does the Beatles

Hundreds of diplomats and United Nations officials celebrated Israel’s 64th Independence Day at the UN headquarters in New York on Wednesday.

Israeli music greeted the attendees, while Israeli food and wines were served in a marquee specially prepared for the event. The UN grounds beside the East River were colored blue and white in honor of the occasion.

But nothing could have prepared the invitees for the main event: Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Ron Prosor, paid tribute to the country’s 64th birthday by concluding his speech with a rendition of the Beatles’ “When I’m 64,” accompanied by an orchestra.

During his speech, Prosor called Israel an “extraordinary success story,” stressing that despite its small size, Israel had become a leader in science and technology after embarking on an “historic” journey – without a doubt, one worth celebrating.

According to a press release by the Israeli mission to the UN, the special event was attended by US ambassador to the UN Susan Rice, as well as the French, German, British, Japanese and Chinese delegates. Prominent leaders from New York’s Jewish and Israeli communities were present as well.