The Embassy of Israel in Nepal celebrated the 77th Independence Day of the State of Israel and the 65th Diplomatic relations between Nepal and Israel by hosting a reception in Kathmandu on the evening of 15 May 2025.
Vice President of Nepal Ramsahay Prasad Yadav was the chief guest at the function.
High-ranking government officials, political leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, security officials, media representatives and friends of Israel were among many others presented at the function.
Welcoming the guests, Ambassador of State of Israel to Nepal, H.E. Shmulik Arie Bass said, “The strength of Israel lies not only in the military but in the unity, innovation and the spirit of our people. Together with Nepal, we are committed to improve the reality for a better future for all.”
“Today, as we gather to celebrate the 77th Independence Day of the State of Israel, we stand united in gratitude, remembrance, and hope. This day marks not only the miracle of our nation’s revival but also the enduring spirit of a people who have returned to their ancestral homeland after centuries of exile,” Ambassador Bass stressed.
“Our connection to the land of Israel is ancient and unbreakable. The Jewish people’s historical and legal rights to the Land are rooted deeply in millennia of presence and faith. The Balfour Declaration, the San Remo Resolution, and the League of Nations Mandate all recognized our legitimate claim to this land, affirming the justice of our return,” Israeli envoy informed and added, “Israel is not a land seized by colonizers but the rightful homecoming of an indigenous people who have persevered through exile and adversity.
“This year, our celebration is tempered by the harsh realities we face. We remember the sacrifices of our brave sons and daughters who have fallen defending our nation. We honor the wounded heroes who inspire us with their courage and resilience. We stand firm against those who seek to destroy us, terrorists who must know there is no place to hide from justice for their crimes against innocent people. The tragic events of October 7, 2023, remain a solemn reminder of our ongoing struggle, yet also a testament to our unyielding commitment to peace, security, and the safety of all our citizens,” said the Israeli envoy.
“Today, Israel has transformed itself into a developed nation, a beacon of democracy and technological advancement. We have built a society that thrives despite challenges, a society ranked among the happiest in the world. This success is born from solidarity, cooperation, and a relentless pursuit of progress,” he said.
“Our ties with the world, especially with friends like Nepal, exemplify our commitment to peace and mutual growth. Since June 1, 1960, Israel and Nepal have enjoyed stable and friendly relations, cooperating in education, agriculture, health, infrastructure, water resources, rural development, and security among other topics,” the Ambassador apprised.
“Over 4,000 Nepalese have benefited from agricultural training in Agriculture Academic Centers and Agricultural communities in Israel during their studies for a title in Agriculture from Nepali Universities, many of them are now great successes in Nepal.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank in this regard the wonderful cooperation with Sana Kisan which has helped recruit thousands of students from around Nepal.”
“Thousands of Nepalis have gained invaluable experience through Mashav, Israel’s AID Agency, in innumerable courses of experts in Israel and in Nepal in various topics since the 1960.”
“We are proud to support Nepal’s agricultural modernization and economic development, and we look forward to expanding our multilateral cooperation in other topics like IT and Cyber Technology in the years ahead,” the Ambassador stressed.
“We cherish the cultural and human bonds that unite us, appreciating Nepal’s rich and peaceful ethnicity, landscapes and traditions while fostering deeper ties through agreements. Some agreements which are ready and almost ready to be signed are evidence for further understanding and the will to enhance our relations for mutual benefit. Our shared experiences, including the pain of terrorism, have only strengthened our resolve to work together for a better future.”
“Israel continues to provide financial and moral support to Nepalese families affected by terror, standing in solidarity with all victims of violence.
“Along many centuries and generations from the times of our ancestors Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the people of Israel are an eternal people, and will endure forever. With this enduring spirit, we will continue to defend our homeland, build our society, pursue peace in the Middle East and friendship and cooperation throughout the globe,” Ambassador Bass explained.
“On this 77th Independence Day, let us honor the past, embrace the present, and look forward with hope. May the bonds of friendship between Israel and Nepal grow ever stronger. May our cooperation bring prosperity and peace to both our people. And may the people of Israel, Am Yisrael Chai, live forever,” the envoy stated.
The attended mass was also informed through screening the video about the brutal terror attack on the early morning on October 7, 2023 by the HAMAS in Israel.
A Nepali student Bipin Joshi who is still in captivity under the terrorist HAMAS was also urged for his safe release through the video message.
Students from Himali Boarding School entertained the guests with a cultural performance.
A video was also showcased portraying the inspiring journey of the Israeli people- guided by hope, rooted in resilience, and driven by over 2000 years of longing to return to their homeland, overcoming immense challenges along the way.
Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Israel in Kathmandu Ms. Janan Bebar was on the MC.
The Nepal-Israel bilateral relationship marked by mutual cooperation, goodwill, understanding and friendship have expanded in various developmental and cooperation areas including diplomatic recognition to partnerships in labor, agriculture, training and demonstrated a deepening friendship. So, Israel has been a reliable partner of Nepal.
Nepal and Israel established diplomatic relations on 1 June 1960. Immediately after the establishment of diplomatic relations between two countries, Israel opened her Embassy in Kathmandu in March 1961 whereas Nepal opened the Nepalese Honorary Consulate General in Israel in 1993. But finally, Nepal set up its Embassy in Tel Aviv on August 13, 2007.
The friendly ties and cooperation between Nepal and Israel has always been strengthened and wide. Thus, both the countries are enjoying warm and cordial ties based on deep friendship, generous commitment, goodwill and mutual understanding.
(Based on Embassy of Israel’s press note)
