In honor of the new Jewish year and the Tishrei Yomim Tovim, President Reuven Rivlin on Wednesday evening 7 Tishrei held a conference call with leaders of the American Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, and chaired by the organization’s Chairman Steve M. Greenberg, and Executive Vice Chairman, Malcom Hoenlein.

President Rivlin greeted the participants, and expressed his hope that “This year be a year of safety, peace, health, for us all.” He went on to address the key international developments in the past year, beginning with the situation in Syria, he said, “Israel was careful not to take sides in the tragic war in Syria. We continue to help the injured who arrive at our gates. But, we are concerned. We are concerned by the growing Iranian presence near our northern border. Israel will not tolerate, any such threats to come too close. If we have to, we will act to prevent this. We have red lines that are very clear.”

The President also stressed the importance of the American Administration’s approach to the Middle East. He noted, “With the election of President Trump we have new hope for peace and reconciliation with our neighbors. Never before, has our cooperation with regional powers been so close and open. There is much to thank the American Administration for this positive development. We hope of course that this is just the beginning, of much warmer connections.”

The President noted the decision by Interpol to include the Palestinians as full member. He stressed, “This decision will harm Interpol’s ability to fight international terror. This is not a decision based on professional need. It is a political decision. It is very sad, that the Palestinians have been able to politicize another professional body, as part of their campaign to undermine peace talks and delegitimize Israel.”

The President also spoke of the ‘Blacklist’ of companies being compiled by the UNHRC. He said, “We are very concerned by the ‘blacklist’ being promoted by the UNHRC, which has the potential to cause damage to American and Israeli companies, and hurt the Palestinians as well.” The President urged the leaders of the American Jewish community to take all steps to combat this, as an American no less than an Israeli interest.

The President went on to speak about his recent visit to Germany, during which he met with Chancellor Merkel, who he noted, “Once again expressed her commitment to Israel’s security”. He added, “We welcome and appreciate Chancellor Merkel’s strong stand against the AfD and in the struggle against the neo-fascist trend that is raising its head throughout the world. These anti-Semitic and racist voices have no place, either in Germany or anywhere else.”

The President concluded by talking about the relationship between Israel and the Diaspora Jewish communities. He noted that there had been low points in the relationship in the past year and said, “Many of them were deep disappointments,” he said, “when expectations were not met, some people are quick to let go. They talk of separation, of a growing gap, of a crisis that cannot be stopped. That is not our way,” the President stressed, “We will never let go of you. We will never turn away from our family, outside of Israel.” He continued, “It is time we listen and learn. It is time we learn to really understand each other better. It is time to face, not only what ties us together, but also what makes us different.”

The President concluded by wishing all the members of the American Jewish community a happy and healthy New Year.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)