Ambassador Dana Kursh during her interview
Sukkot Celebration in Manila Highlights Israel-Philippines Friendship and Cultural Connections | MANILA, Philippines — Amid the towering skyscrapers and modern glass facades of Bonifacio Global City (BGC), a traditional sukkah offered a striking reminder of ancient heritage, thanksgiving, and hospitality during a special Sukkot celebration hosted by the Embassy of Israel in Manila.
Held on September 24 at Seda BGC, the gathering brought together diplomats, government officials, cultural leaders, and members of the community to mark Sukkot, one of the important holidays in the Jewish calendar.
The celebration took place under the evening sky, with a custom-crafted sukkah serving as the centerpiece of the venue. Built with wood, bamboo, and palm leaves, the temporary structure evoked the familiar look of a traditional Filipino bahay kubo, creating a visual connection between Israeli heritage and Filipino traditions of hospitality.
Deputy Chief Ariel Seidman, from the Embassy of Israel
Unlike a conventional roof, the sukkah’s covering, known as schach, was intentionally sparse and partially open, allowing those inside to look toward the night sky—an essential feature of the traditional structure.
Understanding Sukkot: The Feast of Tabernacles
Also known as the Feast of Tabernacles or the Festival of Ingathering, Sukkot is a seven-day Jewish holiday traditionally observed during the autumn harvest season.
The festival carries both historical and agricultural significance. It commemorates the Israelites’ 40-year journey through the desert following the Exodus from Egypt, when they lived in temporary shelters. It also serves as a celebration of the harvest and an expression of gratitude for nature’s abundance.
During Sukkot, families traditionally gather in the sukkah to share meals, welcome guests, and observe religious traditions. One of the holiday’s central rituals involves the Arba’at HaMinim, or Four Species—the citron, palm branch, myrtle, and willow—which represent themes of unity and gratitude.
A Cultural Connection to Filipino Traditions
For Filipino guests, the sukkah offered a familiar cultural reference.
The temporary structure’s bamboo-and-palm design drew comparisons to the bahay kubo, the traditional Filipino rural dwelling often associated with simplicity, community, and hospitality.
The values celebrated during Sukkot also echo elements of Philippine harvest traditions, including the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon. Both traditions incorporate agricultural elements and transform everyday spaces into expressions of thanksgiving and celebration.
While rooted in distinct religious and cultural histories, the similarities provide an opportunity to appreciate shared themes of gratitude, community, and hospitality.
Israel-Philippines Friendship Takes Flight
The Sukkot celebration also highlighted another significant development in Israel-Philippines relations: the planned launch of direct flights between Manila and Tel Aviv through Arkia Israel Airlines.
The new air connection is expected to provide a more convenient travel option for Filipinos and Israelis, particularly for religious pilgrims, tourists, business travelers, and families visiting either country.
The three (3) lucky winners of the first seats on Arkia Airlines
The inaugural flight is scheduled for January 3, 2027, with seasonal weekly service planned through April. Flights are expected to operate on Sundays from Tel Aviv, with return flights from Manila on Mondays.
The service will utilize an Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft with Business Class and Economy Class configurations.
The direct flight is expected to take approximately 11 hours from Tel Aviv to Manila, while the return journey is projected at around 12 hours and 20 minutes.
Introductory one-way fares announced for the service start at approximately US$750 for Economy Class and US$1,800 for Business Class, subject to applicable terms, availability, and airline conditions.
The planned direct connection is poised to make travel between the Philippines and Israel more accessible while supporting tourism, religious pilgrimage, cultural exchange, and business ties.
Celebrating Heritage, Hospitality and Shared Connections
From a traditional sukkah beneath the BGC skyline to the announcement of a new air connection between Manila and Tel Aviv, the evening underscored the evolving links between Israel and the Philippines.
The Sukkot celebration provided more than a glimpse into Jewish tradition. It also created a space where different cultures could find common ground through shared values of gratitude, hospitality, community, and friendship.
