During its celebration of Independence Day on Wednesday, Israel paid tribute to the CEO of international drug manufacturer Pfizer Inc. and thanked him for a partnership that helped the country run one of the world’s most successful coronavirus vaccination campaigns.
At the Israeli Independence Day main ceremony in Jerusalem, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla delivered a video message broadcast on national television.
Bourla, a son of Jewish Holocaust survivors from Greece, was allegedly invited to attend in person as a representative of the Jewish diaspora, but was unable to attend.
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In response to heavy lobbying by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Bourla agreed to give Israel enough Pfizer BioNTech vaccines to vaccinate the country of 9.3 million people. In return, Israel agreed to share data from its campaign with Pfizer.
Israel vaccinated more than three-quarters of its adult population in just over three months. Infection rates have dropped, enabling the country to reopen its economy in recent weeks. Although Israel has come under criticism for no longer sharing the vaccines with the Palestinians, its vaccination campaign is widely regarded as a success.
“We have shown that there is a way back to normal, and that it is definitely something that the whole world can celebrate,” Bourla said.
#Pfizer Albert Bourla, CEO, forwards a message to Israel #YomHaatzmaut:
Together with Jews around the world, I am very proud of Israel … This year, the partnership between Israel and Pfizer yielded another groundbreaking achievement …pic.twitter.com/OukNnvDpDq
– Israel in Ireland (@IsraelinIreland) 14 April 2021
The video was shown during celebrations on Mount Herzl, a compilation that includes Israel’s national cemetery. The ceremony included musical performances and the lighting of symbolic torches by people recognized for their contributions to society.
The evening celebrations began with the transition from the Israeli Memorial Day, a solemn day that honored fallen soldiers and victims of militant attacks, to the joy surrounding Israel’s 73rd anniversary of independence. The celebrations continue Thursday, when millions of Israelis are expected to flock to beaches and parks for picnics and barbecues, and as the air force flies across the country.
