Sukkot Celebration Highlights Israel-Philippines Ties, Holocaust-Era Refuge

Jerusalem, 28 September, 2026 (TPS-IL) -- Manila (PNA) – The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines marked the Jewish holiday of Sukkot by highlighting the Philippines’ history of welcoming Jewish refugees fleeing the Holocaust.

Diplomats, government officials and friends of Israel gathered under a traditional “sukkah,” a temporary shelter associated with the holiday, during a celebration in Taguig City.

Sukkot commemorates the period when the Israelites lived in temporary shelters during their journey through the desert. Hospitality is a central theme of the holiday.

Israeli Ambassador Dana Kursh likened the sukkah to the Filipino “bahay kubo,” a traditional Filipino house, typically raised on stilts and built from lightweight materials such as bamboo and nipa palm. Kursh described both as symbols of openness, community and hospitality.

The celebration also recalled the Philippines’ Open Door policy under President Manuel L. Quezon, which provided refuge to about 1,300 Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution.

Former Philippine Ambassador Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson spoke about the hospitality extended by Filipinos to the refugees, while Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles Brown discussed the importance of welcoming others in the Christian tradition.

The event also featured the planned launch next year of Arkia Israel Airlines’ direct Manila-Tel Aviv service. Three guests received tickets for direct flights to Israel from the airline.

The embassy said the celebration provided an opportunity to share Sukkot traditions, and highlight the people-to-people ties between the Philippines and Israel.