Diplomatic Events

On Sunday afternoon, 27 September 2026, the Mayor of Jerusalem, Mr. Moshe and Mrs. Stavit Lion hosted an exclusive, small and elegant reception in the world's largest Sukkah located in Safra square, the location of Jerusalem's Municipality.     

 

A Sukkah is a temporary outdoor booth or hut built and used during the week long Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot, serving as a reminder of the Jews 40 year exodus, spent wandering in the desert after escaping slavery in Egypt.

 The Succah was elaborately decorated and a cocktail buffet consisting of savoury canopies and a selection of salads, sashimi, petit fours and fresh fruit as well as sparkling wine and soft drinks was served.

 

The Emcee, Advocate Susie Ozsinay Aranya, Jerusalem Municipality's International Communications and Foreign Media Spokesperson, warmly welcomed all guests, commencing her short address by stating that the Sukkah is the paradigm of peace, faith and dialogue.

 

 

 

 

A song by Leonard Cohen entitled "Hallelujah" was sung by David D'or.  

 

Thereafter a short film was shown about  Jerusalem's rich history, different religions and the revolutionary spirit that has overtaken the city, reflecting innovation, green landscapes, urban renewal and environmental equity as well as proposed future educational programmes.

 

Mayor of Jerusalem, Mr.  Moshe Lion speech was dynamic and succinct, saying that on the Festival of Sukkot Jews leave their homes residing in the Sukkah, being a temporary dwelling. In the Sukkah, Ushpizin (an Aramaic word meaning guests) are welcomed. For the seven days of Sukkot, a different Ushpiz is welcomed every night, namely Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Joseph and David. This custom goes back 1000's of years to the First Temple period, built by King Solomon, where multitudes of visitors ascended to Jerusalem for the pilgrimage festival. As we all know, there is no city like Jerusalem where King David established his capital. As we approach the 60th anniversary of the unification of Jerusalem in 2027, nine Embassies are based here with Colombia soon to open an Embassy. The Sukkah with a roof made of palm branches and where the sky is visible, is a metaphor for the diversity of different faiths in our city, being synonymous to a spirit of openness and inclusiveness.

 

 

 

H.E. Mr. Mike Huchabee, Ambassador of the United States of America to the State of Israel, originally a Baptist pastor and formerly Governor of Arkansas where his daughter is currently Governor, addressed the audience stating that it was an immense honour for him to speak on behalf of the diplomatic corps. He Reiterated the fact that the Municipality of Jerusalem's Sukkah is the world's largest being masterfully decorated. Jerusalem's landscape is a reflection of the dynamic leadership of Mayor Moshe Lion with 300 cranes dotting the sky. His vision is that of looking to the future which reflects one of life and vibrancy. President Trump's bold decision to relocate the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem was one of foresight. Today we are gathered in this Sukkah expressing our thanks and gratitude to the multitude of faiths present in the Sukkah. While driving, using the windshield and rear mirror, the last mentioned to look back while the aforementioned for looking ahead, namely to the future, Sukkat is a reminder that G-d's protection is all pervading in the Holy City of Jerusalem. Recently, the United States of America consummated its friendship by establishing a new ground breaking Embassy campus in Jerusalem, reflecting our commitment to Israel. 

 

David D'or's solemn singing of Israel's national anthem and a group photograph of Ambassadors followed by one of all guests ended the festivity.

 

 

 

 

Present among the many dignitaries were Ambassadors, C.E.O. of governmental agencies , businessmen and Christian groups as far as Korea who arrived for Jerusalem's annual Feast of Tabernacles.

 

Diplomacy.co.il and www.diariojudio.com wish the Mayor of Jerusalem, Mr. Moshe and Mrs Stavit Lion, and Municipality staff ,Modim L'simcha and a Chag Sukkot Sameach.