“You are our guards, and we look to you, who are responsible for ensuring the safety of the holiest place in the world. The security you provide here allows us to celebrate Chanukah, the festival of lights, with joy.”

President Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin this evening, Sunday 22 December / 24 Kislev, lit the first candle of Chanukah with the men and women of the David Sector of the Israel Police and Gimmel Company of the Border Police in the Old City of Jerusalem, together with Minister of Internal Security Gilad Erdan and acting the Police Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner Moti Cohen. Afterwards, the president was briefed by the commander of the sector, Commander Chaim Shmueli, accompanied by the commander of the Jerusalem District, Deputy Commissioner Doron Yadid.

“What a pleasure it is to celebrate the first night of Chanukah with you, and to bless ‘Shechechyanu’, the prayer for new things, our brave men and women,” said the president, adding, “You are our guards, and we look to you, who are responsible for ensuring the safety of the holiest place in the world. The security you provide here allows us to celebrate Chanukah, the festival of lights, with joy.”

Minister of Internal Security Gilad Erdan: “Each generation of our people has those who guard its walls, and you – the men and women of the David Sector – our our generation’s guards. I am a great believer in the words of Uri Zvi Ginsberg, “He who controls the Temple Mount controls Jerusalem, and he who controls Jerusalem controls the land.” You are leading the triumph of the spirit of our people here. And at the same time, we must not forget that you have fought against the wave of terror over the last few years, and brought it under control with your determination and bravery. I stand with you and hope you continue to keep us, and yourselves, safe – here in this wonderful capital city of ours. Chag Chanukah Sameach, a Happy Chanukah, to you and yours!”

Acting Israel Police Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner Moti Cohen: “Mr President, the fact that you have come here to light the first candle of Chanukah with the men and women of the Israel Police is very meaningful and moving for us. We are at the beginning of Chanukah, a holiday full of symbols of heroism. The time of the Hasmoneans will always be an example to us of a determined struggle, waged with wisdom and spirit, to preserve the character and the security of our people. The men and women of the Israel Police, over the generations, continue that tradition of the Jewish people. Just as then, nowadays the Police and Border Police show the same determination, standing on guard. Fighting crime and terrorism, the lights of Chanukah symbolize their spirit more than anything else.