The Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has expressed his nation’s deep gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for helping facilitate the safe return of Israeli hostages from Gaza and for his efforts toward peace in the Middle East.
Freeman made the remarks in Abuja during a solemn event commemorating two years since the Oct. 7 attack in Israel, when hundreds of civilians were killed and others taken hostage by Hamas militants an assault he described as “the darkest day in modern Israeli and Jewish history.”
He recounted how thousands of Hamas fighters crossed Israel’s borders, carrying out brutal acts that shocked the world, and said the attack left an indelible scar on the nation’s collective memory.
“We must express our thanks to President Trump for his steadfast support, courage in recognising truths others ignored, and his unique efforts in bringing our hostages home and helping to end this war,” Freeman said.
He urged the international community to focus on building a future rooted in peace, not terror, adding:
“Our prayer is that out of this darkness, a better future may emerge not only for Israelis, but for Palestinians and the entire world.”
Freeman also extended sympathy to innocent Palestinian civilians who have suffered in the ongoing conflict, stressing that Israel values all human life.
“This is a war Israel never wanted, never started, but was forced upon us. We grieve for every innocent soul,” he said.
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The ambassador reaffirmed Israel’s deep historical and spiritual connection to its land, emphasizing that the Jewish people did not colonize Israel but “returned to it” after millennia of exile.
He highlighted the resilience of the nation, its revival of the Hebrew language, and its transformation into a modern, technology-driven economy.
“Israel was not created because of the Holocaust it was created in spite of it,” he noted. “Today, ‘Never Again’ is not a slogan; it is the Iron Dome, the Israeli pilot, and the young soldier standing guard so children can sleep safely.”
The commemoration featured a moment of silence, candle lighting, and artistic tributes, including “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” performed by Ivri Freeman and Pianist Uche Ajoku, as well as readings from Ella Mor’s testimony and closing remarks by Rachel Stavissky, Deputy Chief of Mission.
