U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro with Prime Minister Netanyahu.

JNS.org – Red, white and blue balloons, hamburger stands, fireworks and lavish gifts from commercial sponsors were all part of U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro’s July 4th party at his home in Herzliya Pituach.

Some 5,000 guests arrived at Shapiro’s home to celebrate the 237th anniversary of U.S. independence on Thursday. Among the guests were President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon. Also present were the prime minister’s wife, Sara, and their son Yair.

“July 4th is first and foremost an American holiday,” Netanyahu said at the celebration, Israel Hayom reported. “It’s a time when Americans celebrate their freedom; it’s a time when they celebrate the cherished principles of American democracy. These are values we deeply share here in Israel. In the Middle East, Israel has always been an island of stability and democracy in a sea of instability and despotism.”

“We are celebrating not only our independence but our journey together,” Shapiro said of the U.S. and Israel. “The unbreakable security alliance and economic ties [between our countries] are based on shared fundamental principles.”