On the evening of June 1, the Consulate General of Israel in Shanghai held its annual Independence Day reception, marking the 78th anniversary of the State of Israel. Guests from various sectors gathered in Shanghai to commemorate the occasion and reflect on the growing ties between China and Israel.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from Deputy Consul General Samuel Kahn, who reviewed the history of friendly exchanges between the two countries. Noting that the celebration coincided with International Children's Day, he said that children symbolize the future and potential of China-Israel relations. The national anthems of Israel and China were then played as attendees stood in respect.
As the audience stood, Israel's national anthem, "Hatikvah" ("The Hope"), and China's national anthem, "March of the Volunteers," were played in succession, while the flags of both countries were displayed throughout the venue.
Then Ravit Baer, Israel's Consul General in Shanghai, delivered a keynote address. She began by celebrating Israel's 78th Independence Day and, noting that the occasion coincided with Children's Day, emphasized that children symbolize continuity and hope and are Israel's most precious "natural resource." She reflected on Israel's development as a nation of immigrants and its resilience in the face of security challenges.
Baer also spoke positively about China-Israel relations, particularly Shanghai's role as a bridge between the two countries. She cited successful cooperation in areas such as ports, food production, and technology, and recalled Shanghai's historic sheltering of Jewish refugees during World War II. Looking ahead, she expressed hope for deeper cooperation in fields including the digital economy, agricultural technology, arts, and education. In closing, she called for building a future of peace and cooperation for the next generation and extended her wishes for enduring friendship and a joyful Independence Day celebration.
Following the speech, Baer joined Shanghai Vice Secretary-General Zhu Min and other officials in a ceremonial toast, expressing hopes for continued friendship and cooperation between the people of China and Israel.
One of the highlights of the evening was a performance by Israeli contemporary dancer Aviv Grinfeld and a humanoid robot developed by Shanghai Embody Deep Robotics. Through a combination of expressive movement and precise robotic coordination, the performance explored the relationship between humanity and technology, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The celebration concluded with a reception featuring Israeli cuisine and beverages, providing guests with an opportunity to connect and exchange ideas in a relaxed atmosphere.
The event served not only as a celebration of Israel's independence but also as a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue, reflecting the shared aspirations of China and Israel for cooperation and innovation in the years ahead.
