Posted on 09/15/23
Ahead of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, (Saturday-Sunday 16-17 September 2023), President of Israel Isaac Herzog has released a special video message to Jewish communities around the world.
In his message, the President stressed the importance of creating a worldwide Jewish conversation as a crucial step to overcoming the challenges of the past year.
The President noted, “It is no secret that this year has challenged us in very real ways. For so many, this time of reflection takes on new meanings this year, as we have watched Israel struggle with big questions that highlight how big the differences between us can be. But whilst our differences can be painful, they also point to an important comforting truth: we all care deeply about our Jewish people, and our beloved Jewish and democratic state of Israel. It is okay to have differences. In fact, having differences and being able to voice them is a sign of strength – strength of our democracy, and strength of our people. Our differences are our greatest asset.”
He stressed, “This year, together with the Jewish Agency and the WZO, my office has launched the “Kol Ha’Am - Voice of the People” initiative for a worldwide Jewish dialogue. I hope each of you will contribute your voice to Kol Ha’Am. I invite you to create a global Jewish conversation that is inclusive, vibrant, empowering, and will also impact the nation state of the Jewish people – for the sake of our shared future, for the sake of our shared now.”
The President concluded by wishing all the Jewish people in Israel and around the world a very sweet and happy New Year of renewal.
Full text of the President’s message:
“Shalom to all of you, sisters and brothers from around the world. As Rosh Hashanah approaches, and a new Jewish year beckons, it is a pleasure for me to send greetings to all of you from the President's Residence in Jerusalem.
“It is no secret that this year has challenged us in very real ways. For so many, this time of reflection takes on new meanings this year as we have watched Israel struggle with big questions that highlight how big the differences between us can be.
But friends, sisters and brothers, whilst our differences can be painful, they also point to an important comforting truth. We all care deeply about our Jewish people, and our beloved Jewish and democratic state of Israel. It is okay to have differences. In fact, having differences and being able to voice them is a sign of strength – strength of our democracy, and strength of our people. Our differences are our greatest asset.
So dear friends, I share my hopes that at this time of renewal in the Jewish calendar, each of us make a special effort to get to know these differences, which are the source of the richness, the resilience of our society, to try to really hear, to listen, and to open our hearts so that we can touch once again what is most true: our belonging to each other, and to the great story we carry together. As we say "Kol Yisrael Arevim Ze BaZe" (All the people of Israel are responsible for one another).
As Israel's President, I believe that this act of listening is the first and most crucial step in healing our rifts. That is why this year, together with the Jewish Agency and the WZO, my office has launched the “Kol Ha’Am - Voice of the People” initiative for a worldwide Jewish dialogue. I hope each of you will contribute your voice to Kol Ha’Am. I invite you to create a global Jewish conversation that is inclusive, vibrant, empowering, and will also impact the nation state of the Jewish people – for the sake of our shared future, for the sake of our shared now.
Dear friends, “SheTitchadesh Aleinu Shana Tova u’Metuka”, may this be a year of sweetness and genuine renewal for our souls.”