I had the privilege of attending an exceptional event marking the 77th anniversary of the State of Israel’s independence. At the invitation of His Excellency Mr. Lior Ben Dor, Ambassador of Israel to Romania, Mrs. Tova Ben Nun-Cherbis, President & Founder of The Magna Cum Laude-Reut Foundation, and Mr. Călin COȘAR, President of the Romania-Israel Chamber of Commerce / Camera de Comert, I witnessed a celebration that elegantly blended diplomacy with art.

The evening’s highlight was the concert performed by the talented גלית גיאת – Galit Giat accompanied by the National Opera Orchestra conducted by Maestro Daniel Jinga. Their performance created an atmosphere of communion and elegance, once again demonstrating music’s power to transcend boundaries and unite cultures.

The evening brought with it an unexpected surprise – the performance of Leonard Cohen’s „Dance Me to the End of Love,” a composer for whom both my wife and I share a profound admiration. This song, which was also the one we danced to at our wedding, transformed a diplomatic event into a moment of deep personal connection, reminding me of the universality of human emotions regardless of cultural or political context.

I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to His Excellency Mr. Lior Ben Dor, Mrs. Tova Ben Nun-Cherbis, and Mr. Călin Cosar for inviting me to participate in this significant celebration. Their efforts to strengthen the ties between Romania and Israel through such cultural events represent an invaluable contribution to intercultural dialogue.

In times when diplomacy and open communication are more important than ever, such moments remind us that beyond politics and history, there exists a common humanity that unites us through art, music, and mutual respect.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Yom Ha’atzmaut Sameach, Israel!