President Herzog Hosts Ramadan Iftar At Beit Hanasi (Photo Essay)

By BJLIfe/Sharon Altshul
Posted on 02/23/26

Jerusalem, Israel - Feb. 23, 2026 - President Isaac and Michal Herzog hosted the traditional Ramadan Iftar at the President’s Residence on Monday, February 23. The annual gathering brought together religious and community leaders, mayors, social activists, journalists, IDF and police representatives, and ambassadors from Muslim-majority nations, including Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. The Ivory Coast and Tanzania, and diplomatic representatives from Chad and Nigeria, also attended. 

While the evening marked academic excellence and breakthroughs in higher education within Arab society, with young people as speakers and musicians. 

The President devoted much of his remarks to what he described as a national emergency: escalating violence in Israel’s Arab communities.

“It is impossible to accept the current reality,” Herzog said, noting that the past year was the deadliest on record for murders in Arab society since the establishment of the state. “Only two months into this year, and they have already been the bloodiest. We are in a state of emergency. This is a national security threat of the highest order.”

Referencing a recent meeting at the President’s Residence with families of murder victims, Herzog spoke emotionally about lives cut short and children killed by stray bullets. “This is not a distant country. This is our country. The murdered are our neighbors, our brothers and sisters. We cannot continue to live like this.”

He called on decision-makers to advance legislation, including expanded surveillance measures, to provide law enforcement with stronger tools to combat organized crime, while also urging community leaders to continue speaking out unequivocally against violence.

The President also highlighted Israel’s regional relationships, pointing to the importance of expanding the Abraham Accords and deepening cooperation with Muslim-majority countries represented at the event.

“Let us prove to the world that there is no hatred between the daughters and sons of Abraham,” Herzog said. “Just as we are destined to live here together, so we are destined to learn from one another and build a diverse and inspiring society.”

After the speeches, Sheikh Nader Hayeb led the traditional prayer to break the fast. 

The speakers reflected on Ramadan as a time of introspection, charity, and hope, describing the gathering as “a moment of grace” and a reminder of shared citizenship.