At a morning press conference, Hoenlein and Greenberg spoke about CoP's trip to United Arab Emirates with a delegation of 70 people, something that could not even be imagined a few years ago. Members of delegation walked on streets wearing yarmulakas and had kosher food served the entire visit. In past years smaller groups have visited Turkey, Egypt, and Morocco, before arriving in Jerusalem for this conference.

President Rivlin began the evening referring to the Polish PM’s comments, “Saying that our people collaborated with the Nazis, is a new low. Today, more than ever, we must work to educate the world, even some of its leaders about that dark time, the terrible crimes committed by the Nazis, and their supporters.”

On the escalation around Gaza, President Rivlin, said, “Israel will not allow Iran or their proxy armies, to disturb the lives of our people. We will defend our borders and continue to call on the whole free world to stop Iran from sponsoring terrorism, and to stop Iran from its race to a nuclear bomb.”

Speaking of recent events on the border with the Gaza, Rivlin made special reference of the families of Hadar Goldin z"l and Avera Mengistu who were attending the event, “I want to start by saying clearly that the State of Israel will not rest until the return of our fallen soldiers - Oron Shaul z"l, and Hadar Goldin z"l and our citizens - Avraham Mengistu, and Juma Abu Ganima, who are held by Hamas. All of us are with you in your pain. We also send our prayers for the soldiers injured yesterday. No one should think they can test Israel’s will or ability to defend our people.”

In reference to the events in Florida of the past week. He told the delegates from across the United States, “I also want to say, our hearts are with the families of all the victims of the terrible attack in Florida. Let us all remember that hatred is hatred and we must stand united against it.”

The President also addressed the issue of global antisemitism, and the importance of educating about the Holocaust today more than ever. He said, “Whether on the left or on the right, antisemitism is always wrong. We all must call out antisemitism wherever it is found and when it is hidden as anti-Zionism. We stand together hand in hand in this fight. We have to stand strong for the memory of our brothers and sisters murdered in the Shoah. But today, more than ever, we must work to educate the world, even some of its leaders about that dark time, the terrible crimes committed by the Nazis, and their supporters.”

He stressed, “We are one people. The threats we face, are not small, they are big but so are the opportunities. Let’s continue together to work together for all of us, and all peoples”.

President Rivlin was presented with a Megilas Esther and certificate by the Hoenlein. However, also attending the event were seven US football players who presented the President with a numbered Jersey. 

The football players also presented Greenberg and Hoenlein numbered shirts, with Hoenlein getting on a chair to be taller than retired Jewish football giant Geoff Schwatz. Joshua R Norman  of the Redskins and Mitchell Schwarz were among the other players present.

After the light moments with the visiting football players, Marlene Post introduced Dr. Leah Goldin, who spoke about her son Hadar z"l.  He would have celebrated his birthday today, had he not been captured during the cease fire 3 1/2 years ago and killed by Hamas. 

Yonit-Tiayenesh Fenta translated for the father of Avera Mengistu, who has been held captive 3 years by Hamas after wandering over the border. 

The mission, from February 11-15, has more than 120 leaders representing 53 CoP member organizations, and will be addressed by dozens of Israeli politicians, business leaders and security personnel.

Delegates present from Maryland, include Richard Heideman and Phyllis Greenberg Heideman, and William Daroff.