The Parliament of Romania on Tuesday adopted a law to establish May 14 as the National Day of Friendship and Solidarity between Romania and the State of Israel. The State of Israel was officially established on May 14, 1948.

According to the provisions of the law, each year, on May 14, diplomatic, political, cultural, social and artistic events will be organised and materials dedicated to the history and promotion of the bilateral Romanian-Israeli relations will be presented.

State institutions will jointly raise the flags of Romania and the State of Israel and the Parliament of Romania will organise a solemn session dedicated to the State of Israel.

Furthermore, the diplomatic missions of Romania, as well as central and local authorities, will organise events dedicated to the National Day of Friendship and Solidarity between Romania and the State of Israel.

Speaker of the Knesset MK Amir Ohana (Likud): “The law to establish May 14 as the National Day of Friendship and Solidarity between Romania and the State of Israel was introduced to the Parliament of Romania by MP Silviu Vexler, representing the Federation of Jewish Communities in Romania. In 2023, Romania and the State of Israel marked 75 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations through a special joint session of the Parliament of Romania, in the presence and with the participation of the Speaker of the Knesset.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the stewards of this noble cause, my friends, President of the Chamber of Deputies Alfred-Robert Simonis, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, Senate President Nicolae Ciucă, and head of the Jewish Federation and Member of Parliament Silviu Vexler.

The smooth passage of this law in both the Romanian Senate and Chamber of Deputies proves the depth and authenticity of our bilateral bond, ongoing since Israel’s first Independence Day on May 14, 1948. Your friendship is indispensable.

On October 7th, Israel’s enemies executed their barbaric plans – resulting in the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. But amid the horrors of that infamous date, the Parliament and the Government of Romania rose to the call of the hour with a proud and unequivocal display of support for Israel. Romania has time and again emerged as Europe’s model state.

Under any circumstances, actions like this bill – alongside solidarity visits, a parliamentary screening of the October 7th footage, and the defunding of UNRWA – are especially meaningful. But in light of the torments recently thrust upon us, their impact extends to historic proportions. Your support and moral clarity​ will be remembered for centuries forward. And as I thank you today, Israel will thank you forever.”