On May 16 there were many guests at the Representative Office of the Jewish Agency Sohnut who came to celebrate the Independence Day of Israel. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Israel May Ami, Deputy of the Israeli Knesset Shi Hermesh, Head of the CIS Department of the Jewish Agency Sohnut Alex Kats, who had specially came for the event from Jerusalem, Head of the Representative Office of the Jewish Agency Sohnut in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Alexandra Briskin, President of the Association of Jewish Organizations of Kazakhstan "Mitsva" Alexander Baron, sponsors, and representatives of the Jewish community.

There are two remarkable days in the Jewish history - the Independence Day and the Day of Jerusalem, that are celebrated by Kazakhstani Jews as important and favorite holidays. In the place where there was a lifeless desert a 100 years ago, currently there are blooming gardens, green fields, growing cities, and new technologies. Independence gives Israel confidence to follow the chosen way.

Mr. Ambassador Israel May-Ami addressed the guests, "My dear friends! Dear representatives of Sohnut! Mr. Baron, my close friend! Representatives of Joint, and our distinguished guest, member of the Israeli Knesset Shai Hermesh! We are celebrating a very important event - the Independence Day and Jerusalem Day. During the 62 years of independence Israel has achieved a lot. Our economy is strong with a per capita income of $27,000. We are in the top ten economically developed countries. I am happy we are a part of the Jewish People, and proud of our achievements.

I would like to say a few words about Israeli-Kazakhstan relations. Our cooperation is being developed in our common interests. During the last year, Kazakhstan was visited by the Israeli President, Former Head of the Government, and the Minister of the Foreign Affairs. Just recently, in April, the Minister of Industry and Trade visited Astana where he held fruitful negotiations on developing economic partnerships between Kazakhstan and Israel. Presidents Nursultan Nazarbayev and Shimon Peres regularly hold conference calls - two leaders discuss mutual issues. We see Kazakhstan as a partner and friend because Kazakhstan and Kazakhstanis saved 600,000 Jews during the World War II. We will never forget this! I would like to congratulate all of you with the Independence Day and may the holiday be always in your souls! I wish you health and prosperity to you!"

Welcoming remarks were made by Alexandra Briskin, Shai Hermesh, Alex Kats, and Alexander Baron.

The Jewish Community Center Rimon presented the guests with a performance of ensemble "Anahnukan", prize winner at the "Rauan" Contest and "Freilehe Kinder". It performed popular Jewish songs.

Diana Klimova, Olesya Nesterova, Madina Mursumankulova continued the holiday performance with "Halleluiah" by Kobi Osheret, "Erushalaim Shel Zahav" by Naomi Shemer, "Kazakh Waltz" by Latif Hamidi, "Skertso" by Tafanel, Jewish Folk Dance "Freilehs" and potpourri of the most loved and known Jewish songs.

The event ended with the performance of national anthems of Kazakhstan and Israel.

Lyudmila Starodubova