Argentina's President Javier Milei Lights Torch and Sings at Israel's Independence Day Celebration

Today is Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel's 78th Independence Day. Last night, at the conclusion of Yom Hazikaron, the traditional torch-lighting ceremony took place at Jerusalem's Mount Herzl.

As The Times of Israel reported,

Assorted dignitaries and hundreds of flag-waving spectators flooded into the makeshift stadium at Mount Herzl, marking the return of a live audience to the ceremony for the first time since 2023, with war and wildfires having kept them away for the past two years.

Among those in attendance were Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Supreme Court Chief Justice Isaac Amit and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir. Joining them was Argentina's President Javier Milei, who was selected to light a torch at the ceremony — the first time the honor has been bestowed on a foreign leader.

Before delivering a short speech praising Israel and its relationship with Argentina, Milei enthusiastically joined Israeli singers in performing the Spanish song Libre, made popular by singer Nino Bravo. 

Yom HaAtzmaut sameach!