New Zealanders Celebrate Israel70 and Aliyah
Kiwis from all over New Zealand gathered at the Waipuna Lodge in Auckland this past weekend to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the reestablishment of the State of Israel and Aliyah.
The multi-cultural event drew members of the New Zealand Christian, Māori, Pacific, Indian and Jewish groups for an inspiring evening of celebration and song.
Ambassador Dr Itzhak Gerberg
The evening began with a traditional Powhiri led by Ngapuhi kaumatua (elder) Pat Ruka with MP and Leader of the Parliamentary Friends of Israel Group Hon. Alfred Ngaro. A showcase event followed, including a speech by Israel Ambassador to New Zealand HE Dr Itzhak Gerberg, performances from the Jubilee Dance Ministry and singer Anna Hawkins and more.
Deputy Chief of Mission from the Israel Embassy in Wellington Mrs Kasa Bainesay-Harbor told the audience her powerful personal story of growing up in a village in Ethiopia and making Aliyah at the age of 10.
Commemorating ‘Haifa Day’ (the taking of Haifa in 1918 by the Indian cavalry), Chair of the Indian Association of New Zealand Veer Khar was presented with a certificate by Zionist Federation of New Zealand President Rob Berg from the State of Israel and a letter from Chairman of the Jewish Agency, Isaac Herzog.
