UZBEKISTAN
Bakhsh simmered and maqom filled the air as guests gathered in Tashkent to celebrate Israel’s 78th Independence Day, honoring the deep cultural ties linking Israel, Uzbekistan, and the Bukharian Jewish community.
Hosted by the Israeli Embassy, the reception brought together First Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Mr. Sardor Radjabov, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of Uzbek ministries, leaders of the Jewish community, and friends of Israel to mark both Israel’s independence and 34 years of diplomatic relations between Israel and Uzbekistan.
Opening the reception, Israeli Ambassador to Uzbekistan Gideon Lustig noted that Israel’s Independence Day is a wonderful opportunity to pause and reflect on the national achievements of the past year. Although Israel is a small country, it is a global power thanks to its determination to explore new horizons, its creativity, and its spirit of innovation. The remarkable achievements of Israeli society in agriculture and food security, scientific innovation, advanced medical technology, and modern defense systems have not only strengthened Israel but also contributed significantly to progress and prosperity around the world. Throughout its years of independence, Israel has proudly shared the fruits of its innovation and progress with friends around the world, and especially with Uzbekistan.
In honor of the 34th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Israel and Uzbekistan, the Israeli Embassy held a drawing contest for children, «34 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP: ISRAEL IN MY IMAGINATION,» and Israel’s Independence Day celebrations provided an excellent opportunity to award the winners.
The chairman of the selection committee, artist Babur Ismailov, and Ambassador Gideon Lustig presented valuable prizes to the winner, Dina Elnatanova, Tariel Tuleulov, who won second place, and Valeria Sakaeva, who won third place.
A culinary surprise was prepared for the guests: bakhsh (or bakhsh palov), a traditional pilaf of Bukharian Jews and one of their most famous dishes.
For Bukharian Jews, bakhsh is not just a food, but an important element of cultural identity. Ethnographic studies note that various types of pilaf occupied a central place in their family and religious rituals, and Bukharian Jews themselves preserved a number of very ancient pilaf-making traditions.
Guests also enjoyed traditional maqom performed on Uzbek national instruments.
The musical selection reflected the shared cultural heritage celebrated throughout the evening. Bukharian Jews played a significant role in the development, preservation, and transmission of Shashmaqam, Central Asia’s most celebrated classical music tradition, over several centuries.
Among the greatest masters of Shashmaqam were Levi Babakhanov, Mikhoel Mullokandov, Gabriel Mullokandov, and Barno Itskhakova. Their artistry set a standard for excellence and contributed to the popularization of Shashmaqam far beyond Central Asia.
Speech by Ambassador of Israel to Uzbekistan, H.E. Gideon Lustig
Dignitaries,
Excellencies, distinguished guests, and friends of Israel,
It is a great pleasure to welcome you all here this evening as we mark the 78th anniversary of Israel’s independence. Thank you for joining us in celebrating the remarkable story of Israel today.
Israel’s Independence Day is an excellent opportunity to pause and reflect upon the national achievements of the past year. While Israel may be a small country in size, it is a global powerhouse in its determination to break new ground, in its creativity, and in its spirit of innovation. The remarkable achievements of Israeli society in agriculture and food security, scientific innovation, pioneering medical technologies, and advanced defense systems have not only strengthened Israel but have also contributed meaningfully to progress and prosperity around the world. Throughout its years of independence, Israel has taken great pride in sharing the fruits of its innovation and progress with friends around the world, and especially with Uzbekistan.
Over the past year, Israel has once again demonstrated its remarkable ability to withstand the challenges posed by terrorism and extremism in all their forms. In the face of complex security threats, Israeli society has exhibited exceptional resilience, drawing strength from the bonds of mutual responsibility that unite its citizens. Guided by a shared sense of purpose, we remain steadfast in our commitment to building a stronger and more just society, while striving to ensure a future of peace, security, and prosperity for generations to come.
These threats have not disappeared, and our determination to confront them remains unwavering. At the same time, we must—all of us—continue to stand against the ugly manifestations of antisemitism that are once again raising their head in many parts of the world, including on social media platforms. We must make clear that antisemitism remains, today as ever, a crime for which there can be no justification. The State of Israel will continue to stand alongside Jewish communities everywhere and work tirelessly to safeguard their security and well-being.
Dear friends,
Last year, I received compliments for delivering a relatively brief speech, and I shall do my best to continue that tradition this evening. As a result, I will have to omit many details and will not be able to do justice to the breadth and depth of the relationship between Israel and Uzbekistan, a relationship that has grown dramatically during the presidency of President Mirziyoyev.
Consequently, I will not be able to dwell on the growth in trade between our two countries over the past two years [an increase of approximately 90%]; nor will I have the opportunity to speak about the extensive air connectivity between our countries [7 flights per week]. And I certainly will not have enough time to elaborate on the number of Uzbek workers currently employed in Israel under improved and attractive conditions [approximately 21,000, of whom more than 5,000 arrived during the past year alone].
Instead, I believe the following figure reflects the relationship between our two countries remarkably well: today, there are approximately 30 restaurants in Israel serving traditional Uzbek cuisine! [Chat GPT].
Yes, there is so much that connects us—bridging geographical distance and thousands of years of civilization. This evening, we gather to celebrate that connection as well.
We have prepared an evening filled with surprises that celebrate the rich cultural bonds between our two peoples. Together, we will savor a cherished recipe that has been passed down through generations of Jewish families and ultimately found its home in Israel—our own beloved interpretation of palov, the exquisite bakhsh. Together, we will enjoy the enchanting sounds of maqom, Uzbekistan’s classical musical tradition, whose finest performers have long included Jewish musicians and whose melodies continue to resonate in homes throughout Israel. And together, we will celebrate not only the deep historical ties that unite our peoples, but also the promising future we are building together.
Let us all raise our glasses to toast for the State of Israel, and for the friendship with the Republic of Uzbekistan:
Long live the State of Israel.
תחי מדינת ישראל! עם ישראל חי.