The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines celebrated Sukkot in Bonifacio Global City, bringing together diplomats, government officials, members of the diplomatic community, and friends of Israel for an evening centered on hospitality, friendship, and shared history.

Israeli Ambassador Dana Kursh highlighted hospitality as a central value of the Jewish holiday, which recalls the Israelites’ journey through the desert and their life in temporary shelters.

She noted the familiar character of the traditional sukkah, likening it to the Filipino bahay kubo—a simple dwelling associated with openness, community, and welcoming others.

The celebration also recalled the Philippines’ Open Door policy under President Manuel L. Quezon, which provided refuge to around 1,300 Jewish refugees fleeing the Holocaust. Former Philippine Ambassador Maria Zeneida “Zen” Angara Collinson reflected on this chapter of Philippine history and the hospitality extended to Jewish families seeking safety.

Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles Brown likewise spoke on hospitality and welcoming others as values shared by the Christian tradition.

Adding a contemporary note to the gathering was the presentation of Arkia Israel Airlines’ upcoming direct Manila–Tel Aviv service, scheduled to begin next year. Three guests also received tickets for direct flights to Israel courtesy of the airline.

More than a celebration of Jewish tradition, the Sukkot gathering offered an opportunity to remember a history of compassion and to highlight the continuing people-to-people friendship between Filipinos and Israelis.

Under one sukkah, friendship found a familiar home.