MANILA – As July comes to a close in exactly two weeks, Ilan Fluss is about to bid farewell to his tenure as the ambassador of Israel to the Philippines.

Representing the Israeli community among the Filipino diplomats since 2021, Fluss sees his soon-to-end term as a memorable one.

"These were long and fascinating four years, and a lot of interactions with Filipinos from so many different parts of the Philippine society," Fluss told the Philippine News Agency on Thursday.

Fluss is still happy that Filipinos have received him with open arms during his ambassadorship.

"People have received me very, very well. I felt very welcomed with very warm feelings here, especially being the ambassador of Israel, and Israel has a special space in the hearts of so many Filipinos, and I feel also that I was able to accomplish a lot since I got here," he further said.

One of Fluss' farewell gifts is a basketball clinic in partnership with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and the Laura Vicuna Foundation.

At least 20 female participants were chosen to participate in the basketball clinic at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig, where they received basic basketball lessons from veteran members of Gilas Pilipinas, led by the reigning Women's Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Most Valuable Player, Afril Bernardino.

"Itong part na ito, parang iba yung feeling na mahirap pero kailangan namin silang pasayahin at turuan kung anong passion namin (This part, it feels different, it's hard, but we need to make them happy and teach them what our passion is)," Bernardino said.

Despite having to play a new role as coach at least for one day, she said that it was a fulfilling one.

"Malaking part sa akin na i-share ko sa kanila yung experience ko at ituro sa kanila yung basics. Malaking impact din sa akin yun para rin sa personal ko na may matutunan din ako from them (It's a big part of me to share my experience with them and teach them the basics. It's also a big impact on me because I can learn something from them too)," Bernardino added.

This is the second straight year that the Embassy of Israel, SBP, and the Laura Vicuna Foundation joined forces for this project that caters to female teenagers who have suffered traumatic experiences in the past.

"Before I end my term in the Philippines, I was thinking what else we can do, and of course, sports is one of those tools that can help society and individuals in the growth and development," Fluss further told the PNA.

He hoped that the incoming ambassador will maintain the partnerships his administration started, including the basketball clinic, identify new opportunities, and build new bridges between the Philippines and Israel. (PNA)