Israelis celebrate Israel's 70th Independence Day. (AP/Oded Balilty) (AP/Oded Balilty)
70th Independence Day

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Hundreds of diplomats from around the world gathered on Broadway to celebrate Israel’s independence. 

By: United with Israel Staff

Hundreds of diplomats from around the world recently gathered for a glitzy celebration on Broadway in honor of 70 years of Israeli independence.

Hosted by Israel’s Mission to the United Nations (UN) and the Consulate General of Israel to New York, hundreds of ambassadors, senior UN diplomats, local officials and community leaders joined with Israel’s representatives a special showing of the Israeli-produced The Band’s Visit.

Based on an award-winning Israeli film, the play portrays a small Israeli town in the mid-1990s and the reaction of local residents when an Egyptian band ends up visiting unexpectantly. Throughout the play, the audience had the opportunity to learn about the beautiful mosaic of cultures and personalities that make up Israeli society.

“We are honored that our friends from around the world joined us as we celebrate the momentous occasion of 70 years of independence,” said Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon.

‘Israel is the Best Show in Town’

“Despite the challenges we face, Israel today is more secure and prosperous than at any point in history.  Put simply, Israel is the best show in town, and we are only in the first act. The best is still yet to come,” Danon added.

The Band’s Visit shows us that crossing a border with a tuba is much better than crossing it in a tank,” quipped Ambassador Dani Dayan, Israel’s Consul General to New York. “While many still choose to threaten and deny our right to exist, our audience tonight includes guests from almost every culture and background imaginable.”

“Our fledgling cultural scene is just one of the many ways Israel has transformed not only itself but the world in the past 70 years,” Dayan added.

The celebration was hosted in cooperation with the Genesis Philanthropy Group and the UJA Federation of New York.

“This celebration of Israel’s milestone birthday affords all of us a meaningful opportunity to embrace cultural diversity and highlights the special role the Jewish State plays in our lives,” said Ilia Salita, president and CEO of Genesis Philanthropy Group.

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