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Israel And The Philippines Strengthen Tourism Ties With Celebration
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A recent gathering in Manila celebrated the growing friendship between Israel and the Philippines, as the Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) and El Al Airlines brought together key players from the Philippine travel industry. The event, a special pre-celebration of Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, highlighted Israel's unique appeal as a travel destination and the special visa-free access for Filipinos.

Her Excellency Dana Kursh, the Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines, shared her personal vision for this partnership. She hopes for more Filipinos to experience the diverse beauty of Israel, from the scenic Galilee region to the historic city of Jerusalem. The Ambassador also expressed her hope that Israelis will get to discover the Philippines’ warm hospitality and its "7,000 islands of paradise," and mentioned the ongoing efforts to establish direct flights between the two countries.

The event showcased Israel as more than just a spiritual destination. Anna Oraiza Aban, Marketing Manager for the IMOT in the Philippines, described Israel as "a land of contrasts," where travelers can witness everything from vast golden deserts to snowy peaks. With visa-free entry now in place, more Filipinos are encouraged to explore Israel's rich culture and history.

Tisha Escalona, President of APG Philippines and the local General Sales Agent for El Al, emphasized her commitment to working with the IMOT to inspire more Filipino travelers to visit Israel. The partnership between El Al and the IMOT aims to make the journey as seamless as possible.

In a nod to the Rosh Hashana tradition, guests participated in a symbolic toast. They raised a festive, pomegranate-inspired drink and shared apples dipped in honey, a custom that symbolizes hope for a sweet and fruitful year ahead.

This gathering not only reaffirmed the strong relationship between the two nations but also set the stage for more collaborations in the tourism sector. With visa-free access and the promising prospect of direct flights, Filipinos now have an even better opportunity to explore Israel, whether for pilgrimage, leisure, or cultural discovery.
Sep 15, 2025
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