Panama celebrated its National Day in Jerusalem as well, with a grand and impressive event. This was no minimalist diplomatic cocktail typical of a foreign embassy, but rather a vibrant display of color, culture, and national pride. More reminiscent of the U.S. Embassy’s Fourth of July festivities or France’s Bastille Day than of a small Central American nation. Hundreds of guests from Israel’s business community and diplomatic corps filled the hall, joined by a particularly moving group: Panamanian doctors who arrived in Israel after the October 7 massacre to help treat the wounded and stayed. For many attendees, they were the heroes of the evening.
In fact, Panama celebrates two independence days. The first, on November 3, marks Panama’s separation from Colombia in 1903. The second, on November 28, commemorates its independence from Spain. The latter was the occasion marked in Jerusalem last week.
Ambassador Ezra Cohen, a religious Jew with rich and precise Hebrew, opened the ceremony with a speech that blended poetic flair with pitch-perfect diplomatic tone. “Panama was born with a mission to connect the world,” he declared. “We connect oceans, trade, cultures, and people. And today, we are committed to connecting Israel with Latin America, and Latin America with Israel.” He recalled Panama’s historic support for the establishment of the State of Israel back in 1947 and stated that relations between the countries are “bonds of values, bonds of the heart.”
That emotional bond gained another layer when the ambassador highlighted the remarkable contribution of the Jewish community in Panama for more than 150 years. Entrepreneurs, educators, leaders in finance and commerce. They strengthened Panama and have always stood by Israel with love and loyalty.” Quiet nods were visible in the crowd; many are familiar with the strength of the Jewish community in this warm, small nation and the deep connection it maintains with Israel.
Representing the State of Israel was Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Gila Gamliel. It is rare for a country the size of Panama to receive representation at the level of a sitting minister, another clear message that the relationship is important to both sides. Gamliel noted Panama’s consistent support for Israel, from the historic vote on November 29, 1947, to the present day, and emphasized the deep friendship between the nations.
One of the evening’s main points of interest was, surprisingly, the water bottle. It was not a commercial sponsorship but a tangible glimpse into technological cooperation between the countries. Guests drank water produced from the air by 'Watergem', a company that extracts potable water from humidity. This fascinating technology is especially relevant in an era when climate change is shrinking global water resources. The company, owned by businessman Michael Mirilashvili, set up a display at the entrance with a household device model. Curious guests received explanations from Mr. Jeremy Diamond, and the booth stood out like a small island of Israeli innovation within an evening filled with Latin fragrances.
The celebration exuded confidence: Panama is looking forward, not only back. And the future, judging by the ambassador’s remarks, appears promising. A direct flight between Panama and Israel is being negotiated. A move that would shorten distances and deepen cultural ties. Cooperation in water management, agriculture, public health, and technology is already underway. Discussions include scholarships, training programs, and even joint water-management projects, an area where Israel excels and Panama shows significant interest. Ambassador Cohen also mentioned the development of bilateral tourism. Several months ago, senior Panamanian tourism officials visited Israel, floated ideas and promises for boosting tourism, but concrete action has yet to be seen.
Relations between the countries are not new. Since the 1950s, a steady friendship has flourished, including official visits by Israeli leaders such as Golda Meir and Moshe Sharett. Both nations have honored each other in the public sphere: a street named after Panama in Jerusalem, and streets named after Israel in Panama City and Chitré. Panama also stands out as the only Central American country that does not recognize a Palestinian state, another expression of its support for Israel in sensitive times.
Amid all this, the Jerusalem event was more than a national celebration of a distant country across the ocean. It was a reminder of a warm, human bond between two small nations. One bustling with canals, the other bustling with ideas. An evening where one could taste tricolor cookies, shake hands with doctors who have become part of the Israeli landscape, listen to an ambassador who speaks Hebrew like us, and imagine a future in which oceans, cultures, and continents draw a little closer.
Ambassador Cohen closed his speech with a blessing: “May Panama continue to rise. May Israel continue to thrive. And may our partnership grow stronger every year.” On that evening, in Jerusalem, it felt as though that blessing was already beginning to come true.
