16/10/2026
🇫🇯 CELEBRATING OUR INAUGRAL FIJI DAY IN JERUSALEM ✨
JERUSALEM – 14th October 2026: The Ambassador of the Republic of Fiji to the State of Israel, H.E. Jesoni Vitusagavulu, and Mrs. Silina Vitusagavulu, alongside Embassy Staff and families, had the profound honor of hosting the inaugural Fiji Day celebration in the Holy Land, commemorating the 56th Anniversary of Fiji’s Independence. It was a momentous evening of national pride, reflection, and an opportunity to deepen friendship between Fiji and Israel, together with senior government representatives, members of the Diplomatic Corps, valued friends of Fiji, and members of our Fijian community.
The Fiji Mission in Jerusalem was honoured to host the Minister for Communications of the State of Israel, Hon. Dr. Shlomo Karhi, as its Chief Guest for this auspicious occasion. In his remarks, Hon. Dr. Karhi underscored the growing strength of Fiji–Israel relations and expressed his deep appreciation for Fiji’s enduring friendship. He also reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to further strengthening strategic cooperation between our two countries.
H.E. Vitusagavulu, in his official address, underscored the significance of this year’s Fiji Day theme, “An Inclusive Fiji for a Better Tomorrow,” and reflected on the longstanding ties between our two countries, which predates beyond 1970 when Fiji established diplomatic relations with the State of Israel. Fiji welcomed its first missionaries in 1835, when the gospel which originated from the Holy Land reached our shores and transformed Fiji from a barbaric society to one of the world’s friendliest people today. He also reaffirmed Fiji’s enduring commitment to and support for Israel, a relationship that has stood the test of time since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1970. In highlighting the Mission’s key achievements since its establishment in September 2025, H.E. Vitusagavulu expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government and the people of the State of Israel for its exceptional support.
As part of the 2026 Fiji Day Celebration, the Mission hosted a virtual Trade and Investment Webinar, attended by representatives and relevant stakeholders from around Israel. The session featured keynote addresses from Guest Speakers Mr. Kamal Chetty, CEO of Investment Fiji, and Mr. Esala Masitabua, Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, who highlighted emerging economic synergies and commercial opportunities between the two nations.
A highlight of the inaugural Fiji Day Celebration in Jerusalem was the opportunity to showcase Fiji, its people, culture, and rich heritage. Guests were captivated by the traditional Fijian welcoming ceremony accorded to the Chief Guest and the cultural performances from our very own Fijian peacekeepers serving with the MFO in Sinai. Adding to the excitement of the reception was the drawing of three door prizes: a Pure Fiji gift pack, a carton of Fiji Water, and the grand prize, a seven-night holiday for two in Fiji, comprising a four-night cruise with Captain Cook Cruises and a three-night stay at Malolo Island Resort. The prizes were proudly sponsored by Fiji Airways, Fijian Holdings Limited, and Rosie Holidays.
The Fiji Mission in Jerusalem extends its deepest appreciation for the support of the following partners:
• Fiji Airways;
• Fiji Water;
• Fijian Holdings Limited;
• Rosie Holidays;
• Investment Fiji;
• Pure Fiji;
• Mr. Rafael Dayan – Fiji’s Honorary Consul to Israel (founder of Green 2000);
• Friends of Zion;
• International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ);
• Ramat Negev Regional Council; and
• Judith Ben Avi Real Estate.
The generous support of these partners has contributed to the successful hosting of a historical and memorable event.
Last but not the least, the Fiji Mission in Jerusalem conveys its profound gratitude to our Fijian peacekeepers serving under MFO Sinai and UNDOF in the Golan Heights, as well as the Fijian community in Israel, for their tremendous support.
Vinaka vakalevu and toda raba to everyone who joined us in celebrating this historic occasion.
