The embassy of the State of Israel in Cameroon held a reception to mark the 78th Independence Day known as “Yom Ha’atzmaut”.
Ambassador of Israel to Cameroon, His Excellency Amnon Kalmar, and Mrs. Smadar Kalmar held a reception at the embassy’s garden in Yaoundé to mark the 78th Independence Day of the State of Israel.
This celebration, known as the “Yom Ha’atzmaut,” was attended by Cameroonian government officials, diplomats, representatives of civil society organisations, media actors, religious leaders and several artists.
The ceremony kicked off with the singing of the national anthems of Cameroon and Israel under the lead of renowned artist-musician, Sanzy Viany.
In his welcoming speech, the Ambassador of Israel to Cameroon, His Excellency, Amnon Kalmar, started by paying tribute to the Ambassador of Cameroon to Israel, Mr. Biyiti Bi Essam, who passed away a few months ago.
H.E Kalmar said Israel and Cameroon have established cooperation ties since 1960 and, since then, share strong, long-standing diplomatic, security, and economic ties.
He seized the occasion of this 78th independence day celebration to reaffirm the commitment of the State of Israel to the government of Cameroon. He saluted the active participation of civil society and other key partners with whom a good number of activities have been carried out.
Ambassador Amnon Kalmar also praised the numerous initiatives undertaken by the State of Israel in Cameroon, especially with humanitarian aid programs of the Agency for International Development Cooperation dubbed “MASHAV”.
During the cutting of the cake for this 78th anniversary, His Excellency Amnon Kalmar and Mrs. Smadar Kalmar were accompanied by the new Ambassador of Cameroon to Israel, His Excellency Ndifontah Buma Nyamndi, the Minister of State in charge of the Commonwealth in the Ministry of External Relations, Felix MBAYU, and the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Gregoire Owona.
Amongst the guests at this 78th anniversary was the staff of the non-governmental organisation CAMFAIDS, an active organisation that promotes the human rights of key populations (KPs) and fights against HIV/AIDS, and the stigmatisation of vulnerable groups.
Speaking to Aurelie Abanda, director of programs at CAMFAIDS, this celebration comes to reinforce partnership links established with the Embassy of Israel for several years now.
Aurelie Abanda says thanks to the Embassy of Israel; their NGO, which was formerly an association, has made strides and accomplished several achievements after the centre serving as offices was renewed and equipment granted for the well-being of KPs.
The staff of CAMFAIDS also paid tribute to the late Ambassador, Isi Yanouka.
The night celebration was spiced by a jazz concert in collaboration with artists and musicians from Cameroon and Israel, notably with a special guest, an international composer and drummer, Yogev Shitrit.
Cooperation between Israeli embassies and civil society organizations is a cornerstone of Israel’s public diplomacy and international development efforts, fostering partnerships in technology, human rights, and humanitarian aid. Embassies actively engage with local NGOs, academic institutions, and minority groups to build cross-border alliances and share Israeli innovations.
Israel’s Independence Day, known as Yom Ha’atzmaut, commemorates the nation’s declaration of independence on May 14, 1948, by late founder David Ben-Gurion. It is celebrated annually on the 5th day of the Hebrew month of Iyar, which falls in April or May, and immediately follows Yom HaZikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day) to solemnly link remembrance with celebration.
Elise Kenimbeni
