Diplomatic Events

 

The Rwandan genocide occored from the 7th of April to the 19th of July 1994, during the Rwandan civil war. Over a span of around 100 days, members of the Tutsi ethnic group as well as moderate Hutu and Twa were systematically killed by Hutu militias. Over 1 million people brutally lost their lives. The legacy of the genocide remains significant in Rwanda. Liberation Day is celebrated on the 6th of July. Laws were passed criminalizing the "genocide" ideology and "divisionism".       

 

Tables were decorated with miniature Rwandan and Israeli flags and a festive atmosphere prevailed.

 

The Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Gashegu Niyirora, the Embassy of Rwanda's First Secretary warmly welcomed Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe and Israel's Foreign Minister,  Mr. Gideon Sa'ar.

 

Earlier during the day, the two Ministers had an official meeting where agreements were signed to expand cooperation in development, innovation and education, strengthening their countries' partnership. 

 

The national anthems of Rwanda and Israel were played and enthusiastically sung.

 

A short video about Rwanda's liberation struggle against the oppressive regime was shown. It resulted in a victory for the RPS ensuring security and stability for the country.

 

H.E. Mr. James Gatera welcomed all and sundry.Today we are gathered to observe our Liberation Day. We pay tribute to the brave men and women of the Rwandan Patriotic Front now known as the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF). For many years before 1994, Rwanda was defined by division and conflict. Under President Paul Kagame, we are now defined by our unity, resilience, patriotism and our refusal to be held back by our past. Rwanda has been one of the fastest growing economies for over a decade. Our country is open to investors, tourism and visitors. Visas are obtained upon arrival. More foreign students are attracted to our universities. Jamaica recently faced a devastating crisis known as Hurricane Melissa in October 2025 and we dispatched a contingent of 101 specialized military engineers to support their post - disaster recovery. Rwanda is also a major contributor to UN Peacekeeping missions. We are currently working on implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area. We also learnt that our liberation and freedom cannot be taken for granted. 

 

The Republic of Rwanda and the State of Israel have strong partnerships based on shared values, mutual respect, and similar historical tragedies that have grown significantly over the years. Through MASHAV programmes, we have worked together to modernize Rwanda's agriculture sector. The Rwandan - Israel horticultural centre for excellence was established in Kigali where farmers are trained in advanced technologies such as irrigation, greenhouse management and sustainable crop production. Pertaining to security and defence, we continue to strengthen capabilities that contribute to regional and global security. Universities in Israel provide scholarships to Rwandan students in the fields of agriculture, public health, early childhood education, cybersecurity and African studies. Other areas of cooperation include health, trade, technology and energy. Happy Liberation Day!

 

The Honorable Mr. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation started his eloquent address by saying that it is a great honour to join you this evening in celebrating the 32nd anniversary of Rwanda's Liberation - Kwibohora 32. Thirty two years ago, Rwanda emerged from humanity's darkest chapters. The liberation of our country ended the Genocide against the Tutsi and restored hope to a nation determined to rebuild itself on the foundations of unity, accountability, dignity and inclusive development. Since 1994, our economy has grown more than tenfold, poverty has declined significantly and access to education, healthcare and electricity has expanded. Life expectancy has increased from 29 years to over 70 years. 

 

This evening celebrates the enduring friendship between Rwanda and Israel united more than by diplomatic relations. Our shared histories are marked by tragedies, namely the Holocaust and the Genocide. We chose to rebuild rather than surrender to despair. More than many, we understand the importance of security, resilience and in preserving the memory of the past to ensure that future generations can live in peace and harmony. Our cooperation with Israel includes agriculture, Israeli innovation supports Rwanda's efforts to improve productivity, food security and agribusiness development. In education and capacity building, our longstanding partnership with MASHAV has equipped hundreds of Rwandan professionals with valuable skills and expertise. In technology, innovation and investment, Israeli companies continue to contribute to Rwanda's ambitions in digital information, renewable energy, healthcare and infrastructure. In defence and security, through ongoing training initiatives, our countries continue to strengthen capacities that contribute to regional and global security. As we celebrate Kwibohora 32, we do so with confidence in the future as our journey continues. We remain committed to building a more prosperous, innovative and inclusive Rwanda. Murakoze. Todah Rabah.

 

Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Gideon Sa'ar's speech commenced by conveying the State of Israel's congratulations to Rwandan President Paul Kagame. It was a honour to welcome Rwanda's Foreign Minister, the Honorable Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe in Jerusalem earlier today which reflected the close and growing friendship between our countries. Ambassador Gatera, with wisdom and professionalism, you have strengthened the ties between our countries, thank you. As we read in Psalms, Jerusalem is surrounded by hills, Rwanda is surrounded by a thousand hills. Few nations have demonstated such an extraordinary ability to rebuild after unimanigable tradegies. Israel and Rwanda are two nations with different histories but with a uncommon understanding of the cost of hatred. That shared experience creates a unique moral bond between our countries placing a great responsibility upon us. We have a duty to preserve historical truth, to honour the victims and to educate future generations. I am glad that Yad Vashem is working with you to help and develope the Genocide Museum in Kigali which tells the story of the genocide against the Tutsi people. It is about ensuring that future generations understand where freedom and hatred lead and why freedom, human dignity and national responsibility must be perpetually defended. Tonight we toast not only a strong and valued friendship, but practical cooperation in agriculture, water management, innovation, healthcare, communication, education and technology. Israel's Agricultural Centre of Excellence in Kigali and the Netafim's landmark irrigation project in eastern Rwanda being the largest of its kind in Africa. Today we singed more agreements in fields of education and development with Israel's MASHAV (International Developemnt Cooperation Agency). Israel values its friendship with Rwanda and we are comitted to expanding political dialogue, strengthening economic cooperation, increasing trade and investment and working together in international forums. We wlcome the agreement bbbetween Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo led by the United States and orchestrated by President Trump. Please join me in raising a glass, L'Chaim. 

 

After the official ceremony, guests enjoyed Rwandan music and dance. 

 

A sumptuous buffet included roast beef and potatoes, a selection of vegetables i.e. brocoli, mushrooms and string beans, fresh salads, relishes, a large array of desert (including vegan) and fresh fruit, a choice of bread, a tea - coffee station and a well stocked bar of a variety of whiskey, tequila, vodka, wine, beer and soft drinks was in abundance. 

 

Many Ambassadors, diplomats, state officials, businessmen were present including Mr. Uri Dali, Chairman of Israel - Angola Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Joseph Haim Harrosh, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Suriname in Israel, Dr. Dani Dayan, Chairman of Yad Vashem, Mr. Guy Kruger from the Ministry of Economy and Industry's Foreign Trade Administration's Department of Trade in Services and Investment and Mr. Pascal Irarora, an agribusiness professional currently attending a MASHAV programme in Israel.   

 

www.diplomacy.co.il/  expresses its deepest appreciation and gratitude to H.E. Mr. James and Mrs. Kamali Connie Gatera as well as to the Embassy staff for their gracious, generous and kind hospitality and for a memorable evening of joy. We also take this opportunity in wishing the Gatera's Heavenly Aid and success in all future endeavours as the Ambassador's term of office in Israel has come to an end.