On 14 May 2024, Ambassador Cecilia Attard-Pirotta accompanied by First Secretary Mr Charles Calleja, attended at the State Reception hosted by the President of the State of Israel, HE. Isaac Herzog and his spouse Ms Michal Herzog, for the Diplomatic Corps marking the Seventy Sixth Independence Day of the State of Israel, Yom Haatzmaut. This year’s event was held against the backdrop of Israel’s fight against Hamas following the events of 7th October 2023.
In their short address, both President Herzog and Foreign Minister Katz referred to the current challenges faced by Israeli society in the aftermath of the October 7th attacks were over 1200 Israelis lost their life at the hands of the terrorist organisation Hamas. In this address, President Issac Herzog emphasised that "we must stand together as a family of nations and respond decisively to a despicable, ongoing crime against humanity: the cruel abduction of men, women, and children, of so many different nationalities, of over 220 days. Our hostages. We call upon all nations, on all of humanity to act forcefully in order to bring back home as soon as possible."
Ambassador Attard-Pirotta had the opportunity to personally convey, on behalf of the Republic of Malta, greetings and good wishes to President Herzog.