“This is not a conflict between citizens and the Israel Police. In our streets there are no protests against the police. There is criticism, which is sometimes extremely harsh, but the anger is not directed at them. I believe that none of us wants to live in a country where anarchy reigns, in a country where there is no respect for the rule of law or law enforcement agencies.”

“I view with concern the political discourse that has been created around the directives to control the coronavirus pandemic and I pray, all the time, that we do not descend into baseless hatred. Freedom of worship and freedom to demonstrate are two fundamentals of our democracy and we must do all we can to allow them as far as possible, in line with the current directives.”

“It is precisely at times like this that you need patience and forbearance. I know that I am asking for you to show levels of empathy and self-control that are sometimes impossible. And I ask you to remember that we have no other country, no other police and we must trust them, the police officers and the police, which has only the people’s security and welfare at the forefront of their minds.”

In light of the campaign to control the coronavirus pandemic and to enforce the lockdown, President of Israel Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin today, Tuesday 6 October / 18 Tishrei, visited the Israel Police’s traffic division command center. The president was escorted by Acting Police Commissioner Motti Cohen.

The president and the acting commissioner took part in a situation update with head of the operations division Maj.-Gen. Amnon Alkalai and head of the traffic division Maj.-Gen. Alon Arieh. The president heard an operational briefing on police activity and the means they have deployed in the last months in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. At the end of his visit, the president spoke over the radio with all the men and women of the traffic division, thanked them for their work and wished them a Chag Sameach.

Speaking to the senior command of the Israel Police, the president said, “I am here today with you, men and women of the Israel Police, at a particularly decisive moment. Perhaps this is the most complex time in our history. During the last six months, you are on the frontline of fighting the virus. There are no days and nights, no Shabbat and no holidays. You are stretched to the maximum, and the grind, the fatigue and the difficulties are entirely understandable.

Over the last few months, since the pandemic broke out, frustration, lack of faith and anger have become a very tangible part of our lives. The population as a whole is frustrated, angry, hurting and irritated. I have felt it strongly, even personally. Sometimes, the anger is justified. Sometimes it is displaced from its real source to where it is aimed. I know that you encounter the strength of this anger on the streets.

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 I am sure that in many cases you yourselves, confused by the directives, are worn down and angry.  I want to say here today that this is not a conflict between citizens and the Israel Police. In our streets there are no protests against the police. There is criticism, which is sometimes extremely harsh, but the anger is not directed at them. I believe that none of us wants to live in a country where anarchy reigns, in a country where there is no respect for the rule of law or law enforcement agencies. I know that you are anxious when you go out on the streets. The personal danger you face is great, and you are exposed to the illness at every moment. I want you to know that I and the people of Israel appreciate greatly the sacrifice and the dedication you show when you carry out your duty despite the concern it engenders.

I view with concern the political discourse that has been created around the directives to control the coronavirus pandemic and I pray, all the time, that we do not descend into baseless hatred. Freedom of worship and freedom to demonstrate are two fundamentals of our democracy and we must do all we can to allow them as far as possible, in line with the current directives. I ask of you, my dear ones, that is precisely at times like this that you need patience and forbearance. I know that I am asking for you to show levels of empathy and self-control that are sometimes impossible. And I ask you to remember that we have no other country, no other police and we must trust them, the police officers and the police, which has only the people’s security and welfare at the forefront of their minds.”

I am sure that we will all get through this. Why? Because I am already 81 years in the Land of Israel and 73 years in the State of Israel and I believe in this people and this country, in you.”

Acting Israel Police Commissioner, Maj.Gen. Motti Cohen: “The police are at the front line of national efforts to reduce the spread of the virus and to bring down levels of infection for the sake of public health. I stand with the men and women of the traffic division and of the Israel Police who stand at roadblocks in the hot sun and enforce the directives. I know that the Israeli people can trust them, the officers, men and women of the Israel Police, who are working tirelessly to ensure life continues in the shadow of corona. This is a challenging period for us all, the police and the people, a testing time for Israeli society, and we must all take responsibility. As with the other activities we are called on to perform to fight the virus, we must show responsibility and restraint in this complex time. Incendiary words aimed at police officers doing their duty, including swearing, insults and denigration must be denounced, and it would be better if they were not said at all.”

Head of the traffic division, Maj.-Gen. Alon Arieh: “I attach great importance to your visit here today to the traffic division. Right now, when traffic police and their commanders are dealing with enforcing the lockdown regulations, we need them to show greater discernment and, when it comes to planning, to be constantly adapting traffic so that people can move on roads that the restrictions allow. I want to thank the policemen and women, the commanders and the volunteers for their operational activity with levels of motivation that deserve all possible appreciation at this time.”