President Shimon Peres on Sunday, February 20, 2012 made an official visit to Nazareth and held a story hour with fifth graders at the city library. The president told the children, “Israel must ensure full equality for all children so that you may fulfill all of your dreams.  There must be full equality between Jews and Arabs that starts with education and continues with equal economic and work opportunities.”  The President called on the students, “Continue reading books.  Excel and continue to dream.  You are an important and inseparable part of Israeli society and Israeli society needs you.”

The presidential visit was met with protests against his presence in the city.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)