For the first time since 2017, Israel’s Independence Day was celebrated in New York City on Sunday evening, led by Consul General Ambassador Ofir Akunis.
The event, held amid the backdrop of Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza, drew about 800 guests. Attendees included Jewish community leaders, elected officials, media representatives, pro-Israel influencers, and cultural figures.
“The achievements of the State of Israel in our 77 years of independence are nothing short of miraculous,” said Akunis. “We have established the only democracy in the Middle East, founded on the values and Jewish roots that have kept us united for 2,000 years. We are committed to bringing back all the hostages and defeating Hamas, and from here we say to our enemies: ‘You are failing; we are winning.’”
The timing of the celebration was especially poignant, as Israel continues to grapple with the aftermath of the Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attacks, in which over 1,200 people were killed and hundreds taken hostage. As of Sunday night, 59 hostages remained in captivity.
On Monday, Hamas announced the release of one of them — Edan Alexander, a New Jersey native.
A former hostage, Agam Berger, took the stage at the celebration alongside her mother, Meirav, to share her story of survival.
“During that last week before I was released, I was left alone and grew even stronger in my faith,” said Berger. “Because that’s the Jewish people. ‘But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and spread (Exodus 1:12).’ This is the spiritual resilience of the people of Israel — a powerful inner strength to survive and even thrive, especially in the face of hardship and persecution.”
Akunis emphasized that the Israeli people would continue to stand firm.
“We will never leave our land — nor our capital, Jerusalem,” he declared. “Always remember that we are one people, and our strength lies in our unity.”
Singer Nasreen performed at the event, which also launched Israeli Culture Month in New York. The initiative was created by Akunis in cooperation with Israel’s Ministry of Culture and Sports.
Mayor Eric Adams and U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler addressed the crowd, voicing strong support for Israel. Adams rejected calls to cancel the city’s Salute to Israel Parade.
“We will not surrender to hate. We will not surrender our streets to anyone who believes they’re going to intimidate us,” Adams said. “Every hostage must come home, and Hamas must be destroyed.”
