President Rivlin stresses the Jewish people’s connection to Jerusalem as he is joined by children to decorate the Sukkah
Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin has commented on the expected UNESCO vote questioning the historic connection of the Jewish people to the Western Wall.
Photo: Mark Neiman / GPO
“There is no festival more connected to Jerusalem than Sukkoth,” began the President. “The festivals of Israel all highlight the inextricable bond between our people and our land, and no forum or body in the world can come and deny the connection between the Jewish people, the Land of Israel and Jerusalem – and any such body that does so simply embarrasses itself.” The President added, “We can understand criticism, but you cannot change history”.
The President made the comments as he was joined at his residence by children of President’s Office staff members to decorate the President’s Sukkah in preparation for the upcoming festival. Before helping the children hang decorations and pictures in the Sukkah, President Rivlin welcomed them and said, “I want to wish all the people of Israel a happy and joyous Sukkoth, which we are able to celebrate thanks to the dedication and hard work of the security services who deserve our praise.”
He concluded by inviting the Israeli public to the traditional Open Sukkah at the President’s Residence, “Come and be welcomed in the Sukkah,” he said, “which is the Sukkah in your house. The President’s Residence is the home of all citizens of Israel. From here, go to the Western Wall – not out of a need to explain to anyone the connection between us and the Western Wall, but because there is no greater elation than to be at the Western Wall in Israel.”
The Open Sukkah at the President’s Residence will be held on Wednesday 19 October between 10:00-16:00, in partnership with the Economy Ministry and The Manufacturers Association of Israel’s ‘Blue and White’ initiative, and will include exhibits and performances for all ages about goods manufactured in Israel.
A day earlier on Tuesday 18 October, the President will continue the tradition he began three years ago of taking the President’s Sukkah on the road, and will this year visit the city of Akko where he will meet local leaders and residents.
sorry Pres. Nobody is listening .