Handing over the baton
President of Israel Reuven Rivlin has congratulated president-elect Isaac ‘Bougie’ Herzog.
President-elect Isaac Herzog, Michal Herzog and President Reuven Rivlin
The president phoned his successor and also called presidential candidate Miriam Peretz to thank her.
“I send you my warmest greetings, Mr President.” said the president. “I can tell you that the responsibility of the role that you are about to assume is unlike anything you have done until now.
The Jewish and democratic system we established here, in the land of our ancestors, has a body and soul. If the Knesset is a place of argument, as we have certainly seen recently, Beit HaNasi is a place of discourse, partnership and statehood.”
The president added, “Beit HaNasi is the ‘neshama yetera’, the additional soul of democracy. It is the home of the people, all the people of Israel. Its door is open and its ear is bended to all partners in building our home, their pains and their troubles, as well as to the fundamental issues of concern to Israeli society as a whole.”
“The title of ‘first citizen’ and the task guarding the character of the State of Israel, particularly at this point in time, are heavy responsibilities. I have no doubt that you will bear them superbly. I am proud to pass on the baton to you in a month’s time.”
Speaking to Miriam Peretz, the president said, “Dear Miriam, you have a piece of my heart, of all of our hearts. I want to thank you for setting out on this path. For your sacrifice. For the special way you chose in this campaign. For the language you taught us – the language of the heart. I know that the State of Israel will continue to be blessed by you and your wonderful ability.”
“Long live the State of Israel! Long live the President of the State of Israel!” said the president at the end of his calls.
Present-elect Isaac Herzog with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “I want to congratulate Isaac Herzog upon being elected to the esteemed position of President of the State of Israel. I told him that he was continuing in the glorious tradition of his father, the late President Chaim Herzog.
President Chaim Herzog represented Israel in a way that inspired respect, even admiration, around the world and within the country. I am certain, Bougie, that you will continue precisely in this manner. On behalf of myself, the Government of Israel and – I am certain – all citizens of Israel, I would like to wish you success.
I would also like to congratulate our friend Miriam Peretz for an honourable race. There were two worthy candidates here and I think that we can all welcome the choice and we are all certain that there will be something important and good for the State of Israel here in the Herzog family tradition. Many congratulations.”
