Israel remains committed to pursuing a more peaceful and stable Middle East, and a better reality is already beginning to take shape, Israeli ambassador to Romania Lior Ben Dor said on Thursday, adding that peace cannot exist without security, and security cannot exist without memory.
Ben Dor, who participated in a commemorative event dedicated to the two-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, said that the event is both "solemn remembrance" and "a deep gratitude."
"Two years ago, on October 7, our people experienced the darkest day since the establishment of our state. On that terrible morning, innocent men, women and children were brutally attacked, killed, burned alive and taken into horrific captivity in Gaza. On the holy feast of Simchat Torah, we remember the countless lives lost lives that we mourn today and every day. Two years later, on the same holy day, a ray of light shines at the end of the tunnel: 20 Israelis, who had endured unimaginable horrors, returned home. We bow our heads for those who did not survive the evil of Hamas and pray that their families will find comfort and peace," the Israeli diplomat said.
He conveyed "the deepest gratitude to the brave Israeli soldiers who gave their lives - 915 heroes since the beginning of the war."
"We also honour the memory of dozens of Israeli police officers. They all made the ultimate sacrifice defending our nation, giving their lives with courage to ensure that every hostage - both the living and the dead - was brought home. We remember all fallen soldiers not only for their sacrifice, but also for the light they brought to others through their selflessness and love for the country. May their memory be a blessing, and may their families find comfort in the fact that their bravery and devotion will never be forgotten," said Ben Dor.
The ambassador added that "this deeply emotional moment, both of mourning and of homecoming " reminds us that the Israeli people are "a family."
"There is a national consensus - in Israel and among Jews around the world - that we must never again depend on others for our survival. We must defend our home, our family, our right to live freely and safely on our land. That is not just a duty; it is a sacred mission passed down from generation to generation. And yet, we are not alone. Today, we express our deep gratitude to our partners and friends around the world who stood by us," he said.
He added that "Romania is one of Israel's closest allies and reliable partners in Europe."
"To Romania, our host and steadfast friend - thank you. You have shown empathy, solidarity and moral clarity in our hardest hours. Romania, we thank you for the firm and constant support given to Israel in the process of freeing the hostages and for the sustained diplomatic efforts in promoting peace and stability. The solidarity shown to the Israeli people, especially in the last two years, is particularly important to us. Romania is one of Israel's closest allies and reliable partners in Europe."
He also thanked the United States, Germany, Greece, Argentina and other nations "who have worked tirelessly to bring home" each of the hostages - alive and dead.
"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your friendship and commitment to justice and humanity have saved lives and restored dignity to the families of those who suffered. Israel remains committed pursuing a more peaceful and stable Middle East - we can already see a better reality emerging. As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared: 'Abraham's children will work together to build a better future a future that will unite civilization against barbarism, light against darkness, and hope against despair.' But peace cannot exist without security, and security cannot exist without memory. We carry the torch of memory and pass it on to the next generation. May the memory of those we have lost be a blessing. May the courage of those who survived inspire us. As President Donald Trump noted in his speech to the Knesset on Monday: 'The story of fierce Israeli resolve and triumph since October 7th should be proof to the entire world that those who seek to destroy this nation are doomed to bitter failure. The State of Israel is strong, and it will live and thrive forever,'" the Israeli ambassador concluded.
The event was also attended by the German ambassador in Bucharest, Angela Ganninger, Chairman of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Romania Silviu Vexler, senior official for European Affairs, Middle East and Africa with the Romanian Foreign Ministry Clara Staicu, as well as witnesses of the tragic events in Israel two years ago.
Comentează