On June 10, the Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center (JCC) was honored to host the 78th Independence Day Celebration of the State of Israel, organized by the Israel Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei.
National Day celebrations are often held in formal banquet halls. This year, however, the Israel Economic and Cultural Office chose a different setting—bringing one of Israel's most important national celebrations into the JCC.
Guests were welcomed not by a traditional reception, but by a vibrant Israeli-style cultural marketplace. Five themed exhibition areas introduced Israel's history, innovation, cuisine, culture, and everyday life through interactive experiences, authentic food, and engaging stories, creating the feeling of walking through the streets of Israel while remaining in the heart of Taipei.
Distinguished guests from government, diplomatic, academic, business, and cultural communities gathered to celebrate the 78th anniversary of the State of Israel. Yet for the JCC, the evening represented something even more meaningful—the continued growth of cultural exchange between Taiwan and Israel.
For many years, the Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center has promoted Jewish culture through festivals, educational programs, guided tours, art exhibitions, kosher cuisine, and international exchanges. It has become a place where Taiwanese visitors can better understand Jewish traditions, while Jewish visitors from around the world can gather, celebrate, and strengthen their connections while in Taiwan.
For this reason, hosting Israel's Independence Day at the JCC carried significance far beyond the choice of venue. It reflected the trust, friendship, and shared vision that have been built over many years. More than simply a building, the JCC has become a place where culture is understood and meaningful dialogue naturally takes place.
The most memorable moment of the evening came during the remarks delivered by Maya Yaron, Representative of the Israel Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei, who is concluding her diplomatic service in Taiwan.
Reflecting on the past three years, she spoke about the many ways Taiwan and Israel have grown closer—from cultural and educational exchanges to technological cooperation, tourism, and people-to-people connections.
Toward the conclusion of her speech, she offered a special tribute to Jeffrey D. Schwartz, Founder of the JCC.
She remarked that every diplomat hopes to meet someone like Jeffrey in the country where they serve. Through his longstanding dedication to cultural exchange between Taiwan, Israel, and the global Jewish community, he has created opportunities for people of different backgrounds to meet, understand one another, and build genuine friendships.
She further described Mr. Schwartz as, in many ways, an unofficial ambassador for Israel in Taiwan.
Her words were not only a tribute to one individual, but also a recognition of the important role that cultural and people-to-people exchange plays in strengthening international friendships.
Over the years, the JCC has welcomed diplomats, members of parliament, mayors, scholars, cultural leaders, and visitors from around the world. It has become a place where people discover Jewish culture, gain a deeper understanding of Israel, and form friendships that transcend language and borders.
The evening also introduced Israel's new diplomatic team in Taiwan, symbolizing the beginning of another chapter in the ever-growing relationship between Taiwan and Israel.
Friendship is never built overnight. It grows through every conversation, every shared meal, and every meaningful encounter.
As Israel celebrated its 78th Independence Day, the evening became more than a national celebration. It was a reminder that the JCC has become a place where cultures meet, friendships flourish, and the enduring relationship between Taiwan and Israel continues to grow for generations to come.
