Israeli President Isaac Herzog speaks from the Western Wall in Jerusalem to the crowd gathered at the “March for Israel” rally in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 14, 2023. Credit: Kobi Gideon/GPO.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Sunday delivered a message to the Jewish people worldwide, amid an uptick in global antisemitism due to Israel’s war against Hamas.
Below is the text of the message:
The Hamas massacre in southern Israel has forced us to confront a kind of evil that was not supposed to exist in the modern world. We must be very clear: This is not only a war between Israel and Hamas. Israel may be fighting on the ground, but it is fighting the battle of the entire civilized world. We are determined to stand up to this evil.
Sisters and brothers, outside my window here in Jerusalem, I see an Israel that is thriving in spite of it all. As I speak, our sons and daughters in uniform are on the frontlines fighting to protect us. Israelis of every background are showing up for each other in remarkable ways. Jewish communities across the world are mobilizing with unprecedented energy. I receive offers of support and solidarity from every corner of the globe. Kol Yisrael Areyvim Ze Laze. Israel is here for you, and you are here for Israel.
In the wake of the massacres, we have seen a terrifying surge of antisemitism throughout the world: Stars of David painted on homes in France. Families in London removing mezuzas for fear of attack. Hateful demonstrations. An elderly Jewish protester killed in Los Angeles. This fact has exposed the close link between antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment.
This is the time to hold fast to our values and to our truth. It takes courage and moral clarity to stand up to it. We will emerge stronger, I’m sure of it, and I send you a warm message, brothers and sisters all over the world, from the President’s Residence in our eternal capital, Jerusalem. Am Yisrael Chai.
Source: JNS
