Jerusalem, Israel - Sept. 20, 2022 -Prime Minister Yair Lapid was received at JFK International Airport by Israeli Ambassador to the United States Mike Herzog, Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan, Israeli Ambassador to Canada Ronen Hoffman, and Israeli Consul-General in New York Asaf Zamir on his arrival to speak at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. 

In Jerusalem, Israel, President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog returned from the London funeral of Queen Elizabeth to host the annual reception for the foreign diplomatic corps in honor of Rosh HaShanah on Tuesday afternoon. 

The reception was attended by over 100 diplomatic guests, including the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Zambian Ambassador Martin Mwanambale, Ambassador Tom Nides of the United States, and Bahrain Ambassador Khaled Yousif al-Jalahma

President Isaac Herzog began his toast by sharing observations about Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral in London yesterday: “I was honored to join 200 heads of state and senior envoys and to pay the Israeli people's respects to Her Majesty the Queen, an icon of service and integrity, and a true woman of valor—as we say in Hebrew, an eshet chayil. In London, I had the opportunity to personally express both my condolences and fondest wishes to His Majesty King Charles III.

“I also held dozens of informal conversations with world leaders, and I am immensely proud of their warmth and positivity toward the State of Israel and their great interest in Israeli capabilities in the field of technological innovation, science, agriculture, COVID, national service—you name it.”

President Herzog added: “Jewish tradition teaches us that we can always start over. This is true for individuals and for nations. Over the last two years, we have seen a remarkable example of nations choosing a new path. The Abraham Accords represented a turning point, in which nations abandoned a path of conflict and adopted the path of dialogue and peace. Just days ago we hosted the UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed to celebrate two years of these historic accords. Indeed the historic undercurrents in the Middle East are beginning to change our collective landscape. A Renewable Middle East, a regional ecosystem of sustainable peace, is materializing before our eyes. So therefore I invite each of you here representing your respective nations to play an active role in fostering this spirit of partnership.”

The President thanked the diplomats and said: “Your important, dedicated work, day-in, day-out, to strengthen the ties we share and to cultivate the friendship between our nations is truly impressive. Israel is perhaps one of the more exciting posts for a diplomat, but it is no simple mission. This is our opportunity to thank you, and your spouses and partners, and to encourage you to keep serving your nations as admirably as you have until now.”

First Lady Michal Herzog also spoke, describing an "intense, incredible first year" at the President's Residence, and said: “My work this past year has focused on promoting emotional wellbeing and combating mental health stigmas, spearheading psychological humanitarian support, and advocating for social mobility and equality. I have seen throughout how personal bonds can open hearts and how soft power can move mountains. Ladies and gentlemen, each of us has the opportunity to make a real difference. I wish you all a year of hard work and well-earned successes. We value what you do and look forward to working together for a better, shared, future.”

Speaking on behalf of the Diplomatic Corps, Zambian Ambassador Mwanabale ended his remarks with "Shana Tova."