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By Itzhak Rabihiya

President Reuven Rivlin today, Wednesday 25 September, held a festive reception at Beit HaNasi for the diplomatic corps in Israel in honor of the Jewish New Year. Dean of the diplomatic corps Ambassador Hennadiy Nadolenko of Ukraine spoke at the event, attended by heads of missions, honorary consuls of countries without a resident ambassador in Israel and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 12-year-old Roi Mori, who has been diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum and has perfect pitch, played two of his compositions on the piano during the event.

The president began his remarks with his best wishes for the new year, and noting that Rosh Hashana is both a time of joy and also a time to look backwards, a time for reflection and judgment. “It is a time to ask how can we improve ourselves we approach the new year.”

The president noted his concerns about the rise in anti-Semitic incidents around the world. “This year, unfortunately, we have witnessed a worrying rise of anti-Semitism worldwide. It is a phenomenon that needs a robust call for action, more investment in education and zero tolerance. On the 23rd of January 2020, the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz –Birkenau, I will be joined here by world leaders to reinforce our joint commitment to combat anti-Semitism in all forms and shapes. Never again! – that is our duty.”

Calling for concerted action to secure the release of Israelis held in Gaza, he said, ‘As we celebrate the New Year, we must remember those who are not free to celebrate. The Hamas terrorist organization still refuses to return our missing civilians and soldiers. We will do everything possible to bring Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul back home. We hope that your governments can assist in this humanitarian appeal.”

The president concluded with thanks for the many messages of consolation he received after the death of his wife Nechama ז"ל and with his wishes for the new year: “May the new year be a year of peace and unity for the State of Israel, for the Middle East, and for the entire world. Shana Tova! Happy New Year!”

Attached photo credit: Mark Neiman (GPO)