Ambassador Ilan Fluss and the Shalom Club of Nueva Ecija celebrated the spirit of the season by bringing joy and gifts to daycare children in Licab, Nueva Ecija, as part of the 2024 𝑵𝒈𝒂𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝑷𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒐, 𝑺𝒂𝒍𝒐 𝑻𝒂𝒚𝒐 event and Municipal Children’s Month celebration.

The event, held on November 28, highlighted the shared messages of peace, hope, and community as Christmas and Hanukkah approached. Ambassador Fluss emphasized the importance of investing in children, calling them the future leaders of society.

“Shalom means peace, and with Hanukkah and Christmas approaching, the State of Israel, through the Shalom Club of Nueva Ecija, wishes to bring peace, prosperity, and positivity to everyone today,” Fluss said.

Spreading Joy and Building Bridges
Around 355 daycare children from 12 barangays in Licab received gifts, food, and toys, including donations from Ronald McDonald House Charities. Renowned Filipino artist Elito V. Cira, also known as “AmangPintor,” delighted the children with a unique hand-painting performance.

Ambassador Fluss praised the efforts of the Shalom Club of Nueva Ecija, composed of alumni from Israel’s MASHAV training programs, for organizing the event and encouraged them to continue fostering educational and cultural exchanges.

“Let us build more bridges of partnership between our nations, especially in education,” Fluss added, expressing gratitude to local officials and club members for their dedication.

A Community Effort
The celebration was attended by Licab Mayor Eufemia Domingo, local government representatives, faculty members, and key figures from the Shalom Club, including its president, Ms. Lorna Mae Vero, and Shalom Outreach Focal Dr. Eugenia Baltazar.

This initiative, part of MASHAV’s annual volunteer programs, reflects Israel’s commitment to supporting Filipino communities through education and goodwill, especially during the festive season.

Through events like this, MASHAV Israel and the Shalom Club aim to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the Philippines and Israel, ensuring that the spirit of giving reaches even the youngest members of the community.