President Reuven Rivlin on motzei Shabbos left Israel on a visit to Los Angeles where he will deliver the keynote address at the annual General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), at the invitation of the organization’s leadership. The President’s address at the General Assembly, to be held this year in Los Angeles (November 12-14), will mark his first major speech outside Israel to the Jewish community in North America. The President will be speaking on Monday, November 13, at 17:50 PST.

The President’s visit takes place against the backdrop of the recent strains in relations between Israel and Diaspora Jewry, and at a time of heightened concern about a rise in anti-Semitism around the world.

Before departing, the President reiterated that Israel would never give up on Diaspora Jewry and said, “This year we have all experienced moments of disappointment and unmet expectations. Some spoke of separation, of a growing gap, of a crisis that cannot be prevented, but this is not our path. We will never give up on our brothers and sisters, the Jews of the Diaspora, we will never turn our backs on our family living outside the State of Israel.”

The President added, “It is important that we listen to and learn from each other, so that we can reach a better understanding not only of what binds and connects us, but also what is different between us.”

After his address, the President is scheduled to meet with the family of one of the Israeli civilians being held in Gaza by Hamas, Avraham Mengistu.

During his visit to Los Angeles, President Rivlin will also meet with LA Mayor Erik Garcetti, as well as with heads of the Israeli American Council (IAC). In addition, the President will participate in a round table with leaders of the Latino community in the city, and will also tour the Museum of Tolerance and the Ronald Reagan Museum.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)