450
Itongadol.- President Reuven Rivlin this evening (Sunday) paid a condolence visit to the family of Rabbi Reuven Birmacher, who was murdered in a terrorist knife attack in Jerusalem at Jaffa Gate, Thursday, 24 December.
Rabbi Birmacher’s wife Naomi, and their children spoke with President Rivlin and told him how Rabbi Birmacher had felt it a great privilege to live in Israel, despite the difficulties after the family made Aliyah (immigrated) from Argentina.
Naomi explained to the President that last week they had returned from a family visit to Argentina during Chanukah. She said, “People ask me if I wanted to go back to Argentina and I say \’no\’, my husband Reuven would not want that. The spirit that is here in Israel exists nowhere else. This is our home, despite the difficulties.”
Rabbi Birmacher’s son, Boris, told the President of his father’s support even during times of difficulty, and said, "My father always told us not to give up, even when things are tough, we must continue. This is what we learned from him, and that is what we will do.”
President Rivlin told the bereaved family that he was very moved by their words about their father, who he noted was a remarkable man. He spoke with the family and said that Israel was enduring difficult days, but stressed he had no doubt the country would overcome them. He added that he drew great inspiration from the bereaved families.
The President said, “The personal pain and sorrow is great, and I pray – together with you – that happier times will soon return.”