Posted on 07/03/23
Jerusalem, Israel - July 3, 2023 - President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog, this evening (Monday) attended the American Embassy in Israel’s 4th of July Celebration, hosted by US Ambassador to Israel, H.E. Thomas R. Nides and his wife Virginia, at the Israel Museum in Jeruslaem. Also in attendance were Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, cabinet ministers, Knesset members, ambassadors and foreign diplomats.
The President began his address by noting, “I must begin tonight's celebrations on a more somber note. Once again, the State of Israel is being forced to contend with hatred and terror. I want to offer strength and support to the brave soldiers of the IDF and security forces, operating now in Jenin. They are putting their lives on the line to defend Israel and all of us from terror. I assure you, they are doing everything to protect innocent life in such difficult circumstances. I pray that they complete their mission and return home, safely and soundly. Indeed, we pray this together, as our nations are firmly united in the fight against terror. We share the obstinate hope that, even as we fight, we do so toward the ultimate goal: peace and prosperity for all.”
Full address by the President
It is wonderful to be here with you celebrating America’s 247th Independence Day. Mazal Tov to the United States of America! Mazal Tov to President Joe Biden – who visited us exactly a year ago – and to Vice President Kamala Harris, both great friends of Israel.
Israel has no greater friend than the United States of America.
But, I must begin tonight's celebrations on a more somber note. Once again, the State of Israel is being forced to contend with hatred and terror. I want to offer strength and support to the brave soldiers of the IDF and security forces, operating now in Jenin. They are putting their lives on the line to defend Israel and all of us from terror. I assure you, they are doing everything to protect innocent life in such difficult circumstances. I pray that they complete their mission and return home, safely and soundly. Indeed, we pray this together, as our nations are firmly united in the fight against terror. We share the obstinate hope that, even as we fight, we do so toward the ultimate goal: peace and prosperity for all.
Friends, our nations share a profound historical legacy and a deep, enduring faith in the values of democracy, life, liberty, and justice. There is no question that the power of our alliance is unmatched: in the goodness it has brought to the world, and the promise it holds for our future. Our collaboration, which crosses every possible sector and sphere, has been a critical anchor of security, stability, and peace for both of our nations, and has brought the promise of hope and prosperity to this region.
Dear friends, I want to take this opportunity to thank former Speaker of the House, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, and current Speaker Kevin McCarthy, for inviting me to address both Houses of Congress later this month on behalf of our nation. It is an enormous privilege and honor. But more than anything, as Israel’s President, I am looking forward to sharing Israel’s unique story with the American people on behalf of every Israeli. The story of a nation that rose like a phoenix out of the ashes of unthinkable destruction, into a thriving modern nation on the frontline of the efforts to make a better world for us all: a Jewish and democratic State of Israel.
Finally, dear friends, a few words of farewell to Ambassador Tom Nides, and his dear wife, Virginia – our hosts this evening. Dear Tom, during your tenure as the American Ambassador to Israel, Michal and I have found in you a true friend. I don’t know whether as a boy in Duluth, Minnesota, you ever imagined that you would find yourself in this position, although I know your Hebrew school teachers believed in you from day one. What is clear is that during your time here, you have served the American people with profound patriotism, and a wide variety of activities in so much dignity. But, you have also served the greater causes of dialogue between nations, of justice, democracy, and peace. You brought some critical qualities to this challenging post: boundless energy, optimism, and skill. In these turbulent times, you always exhibited an uncompromising commitment to Israel’s security and to peace and cooperation with our neighbors. You have not been afraid to say things clearly, directly, and constantly. Israeli style! And you have also been able to listen. Thankfully, your directness always came along with a very healthy and developed sense of humor, which we have all appreciated. I am not sure how we will manage without your “Shabbat Shalom!” At the root of it all, your love for your own country – and for ours, and our people – has shone brightly. Tom, we thank you and wish you the very best of luck. I also want to add a word of thanks to your dear wife, Virginia. Virginia, your presence and support has been so evident throughout. Michal and I will miss you, as well, and share our every best wish as you move on to the next chapter.
Friends, may the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave, and this Land of Israel, know only peace and prosperity, security, and success. May our deep and lasting ties continue to be a shining symbol of what can become possible between nations.
