President Rivlin: We demand all governments around the world protect the Jewish community.

 

President Reuven Rivlin this evening (Sunday), addressed a Bible study session of the \’929 Initiative\’, which promotes regular Torah study with a focus of social issues.

 

The President began his speech with reference to the brutal attacks in France last week.  He said, "First and foremost, I want to express my deep sorrow, and voice my support for the families who have lost their loved ones, and offer strength and encouragement to the Jewish community in France.  In the last few years, we have witnessed the strengthening and tightening of the vital connection between the Jewish community of France, and the State of Israel, the citizens and people living in Zion.

 

"These mutual feelings have been reinforced by, among other things, the horrific attack on the Jewish school in Toulouse, and the French Jewish community\’s and French olim (immigrants) to Israel\’s, genuine solidarity with, and concern for the State of Israel.  In these moments we feel most of all the togetherness, the central bond which binds us together as a people and as a community. We demand of all governments around the world, and the government of France in particular, to protect and safeguard the security and well-being of the Jewish community. There is an obligation to ensure Jews are able to live with dignity and pride, without being victims of attacks, threats and intimidation. The State of Israel will warmly and affectionately receive every Jewish man or woman, who wishes to immigrate to Israel, and play a part in building the nation and the state. However, it is important that this \’aliyah\’ (immigration) to Israel will not be an \’aliyah\’ of fear, but of choice. An \’Aliyah\’ born out of a positive Jewish identity, out of Zionism, and not because of anti-Semitism."