UN envoys wish Israel all the best at 68

Ambassadors from countries around the world feature in Israeli mission’s video to mark 68 years of independence

By Stuart Winer

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12 May 2016, 12:14 am

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Stuart Winer is a breaking news editor at The Times of Israel.

As Israel began celebrating 68 years of independence on Wednesday evening, ambassadors to the United Nations from a host of countries wished the Jewish state a hearty “happy birthday.”

The envoys featured in a video prepared by the Israeli mission to the UN.

“The State of Israel is celebrating 68 years of independence,” said Israeli ambassador to the UN Danny Danon at the start of the short movie. “Today, friends from around the world are wishing Israel ‘Happy Independence Day.'”

Danon’s opening was followed by a series of clips of ambassadors from various countries sending their greetings.

“We wish you the happiest, most prosperous, and above all most peaceful new year, happy 68th,” said US Ambassador Samantha Powers.

British envoy Matthew Rycroft in his message said, “To the State of Israel and all your people, I want to wish you the very best for your 68th year.”

Gillian Bird of Australia said, “To the State of Israel, I want to wish you peace.”

Their greetings were followed by footage of ambassadors from Tuvalu, Panama, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Argentina, Dominican Republic, Eritrea, New Zealand, Croatia, Micronesia, Estonia, Latvia, Austria, Spain, Bahamas, Greece, South Korea, Palau, Cyprus, Moldova, Monaco and Italy.

“Shalom and Happy Birthday,” said German envoy Harald Braun.

The video concluded with a montage of the ambassadors all saying in Hebrew, “Yom Ha’atzamut Sameyach” — Happy Independence Day.

The messages were not limited to the video, however. In a message posted to his Twitter feed, US Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro wrote, “Mazal Tov to the people of Israel on your 68th Independence Day!! The American people share your pride & joy and are celebrating with you.”

https://twitter.com/AmbShapiro/status/730491789732352000

Independence Day falls on Thursday but celebrations began the evening before as the country transitioned from Israel’s Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and terror victims into the festivities marking the establishment of the Jewish state in 1948.