New York, NY . . . In a message sent to Malcolm Hoenlein, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Israel’s President, Reuven Rivlin, expressed his support and solidarity and that of all the Israeli people, with the American Jewish community in the difficult times following the events in Charlottesville, and he asked that his message be shared with Jewish organizations and communities across the U.S.
Referring to the display of swastikas and other Nazi symbols, the President wrote,
“The very idea that in our time we would see a Nazi flag – perhaps the most vicious symbol of anti-Semitism – paraded in the streets of the world’s greatest democracy, and Israel’s most cherished and greatest ally is almost beyond belief.
In the face of such evil, we stand now as we did then. With faith. With faith in humanity, with faith in democracy, and with faith in justice. I know that the great nation of the United States of America and its leaders will know how to face this difficult challenge, and prove to the world the robustness and strength of democracy and freedom.”
Stephen M. Greenberg, Chairman and Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Conference of Presidents expressed appreciation for President Rivlin’s strong and timely message. There is deep concern in the American Jewish community, and his words will be warmly received.
President Rivlin’s expression of solidarity reflects the unity of Jewish people – in Israel, in the United States, and around the world – against the scourge of anti-Semitism, racism, extremist rhetoric and violence that threaten democracy and is especially significant in light of the developments in recent days.
The full text of President Rivlin’s letter is below:
16 August 2017 / 24 Av 5777
Mr. Malcolm Hoenlein,
Executive Vice Chairman,
Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations
Dear Malcolm,
At this difficult time, I want to express my support and solidarity, and that of all the Israeli people with you and your communities, and ask that you kindly convey this message on my behalf to the Jewish communities across the US.
The very idea that in our time we would see a Nazi flag – perhaps the most vicious symbol of anti-Semitism – paraded in the streets of the world’s greatest democracy, and Israel’s most cherished and greatest ally is almost beyond belief.
We have seen manifestations of anti-Semitism again and again arise across the world; in Europe and the Middle East. In the face of such evil, we stand now as we did then. With faith. With faith in humanity, with faith in democracy, and with faith in justice. I know that the great nation of the United States of America and its leaders will know how to face this difficult challenge, and prove to the world the robustness and strength of democracy and freedom.
As we say Chazak, Chazak, ve’Nitchazek. Be strong, be strong, and we will be strong.
Warm regards,
Reuven Rivlin
President of the State of Israel
;
