Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, 11:30am MST
Israel President Isaac Herzog tonight lit the first Chanukah candle together with injured veteran and IDF soldiers at Beit HaLochem in Tel Aviv.
Speaking at the event, Herzog spoke of the ongoing efforts to secure the release of the 100 hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza.
“Together with you, I yearn, work and cry out in every possible way for the immediate return of our brothers and sisters being held hostage in Gaza,” he said. “I don’t believe that last year during Chanukah, anyone thought that a hundred of our brothers and sisters would still be in the hands of Hamas terrorists.
“We are in a critical period for their return. Recently, I convened a conference at the President’s Residence focused on the medical condition of the hostages. We heard from freed hostages and medical experts, and based on their testimonies and all the findings presented to me, I reiterate: The hostages are in clear and immediate danger to their lives. With every passing day, the threat to their lives increases.
“We face a cruel enemy that seeks in every way to harm us and to obstruct the return of the hostages, using psychological tactics in negotiations. Against this enemy, I know that we are working, and must continue to work — with creativity, determination, responsibility and boundless commitment — to bring them back home by any means necessary, whether to the embrace of their families, ought to be laid to rest with dignity.
“I call on our leadership to act with all its might, using every tool at our disposal, to secure a deal. This is your duty. This is your responsibility. You have my full support! You have my full backing to achieve a deal that will bring them home! Bring the miracle of Chanukah to the people of Israel! Especially for those we failed to protect on October 7!
“The voices of our brothers and sisters cry out to us from the ground, reminding us that “whoever saves one life” — even one life! — “it is as if they saved an entire world.”
A day earlier, on Dec. 24, Herzog visits northern city of Acre and town of Kafr Yasif on the occasion of Christmas Eve.
His visit began with a meeting attended by religious leaders, city council members, and social leaders. During the meeting, they discussed the city’s unique challenges and ways to collaborate in strengthening coexistence and advancing shared life in the region.
“Acre is a city with a rich history and an unparalleled unique fabric of life. It bridges a glorious past with a hopeful future and embodies the full strength of the idea of shared living,” he said.
“Visiting the city is always deeply moving for me, especially when I meet the diverse community living here in harmony, demonstrating that blending cultures, religions and beliefs is a source of resilience and strength.
“I thank Mayor Amihai Ben Shlush for the warm welcome and for his dedication to the city and its residents. Akko is a symbol of unity, reminding us all of the value of shared living based on respect and partnership.”
Herzog then discussed with Mayor Ben Shlush the city’s educational and community projects, and met with members of the educational leadership and representatives of the student council, who presented the President with new initiatives to promote education in the city.
Herzog continued his visit to Kafr Yasif, where he was greeted by Council Head Issam Naim Shahada and Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif. During his visit, Herzog participated in a traditional ceremony held at the Christmas tree in the town center symbolizing multiculturalism and shared living.
Herzog concluded his visit at the home of the Osman family, where he came to comfort and support the relatives of Sgt. Tamer Osman, who fell in battle in Gaza.
“My brothers and sisters,” he said, “it is a great privilege for me to be here in Kafr Yasif, at a gathering that highlights the beauty of the human mosaic in the Galilee. I wish to thank the leaders of the Druze, Christian and Muslim communities, as well as the regional council leaders, for the warm and unifying welcome.
“I extend my holiday greetings to the Christian communities of the Holy Land and the region: Merry Christmas! I also congratulate Kafr Yasif on the centennial celebrations of its establishment and salute the memory of the late Naim Hada, a dear leader who contributed greatly to the town. Thank you to Council Head and all the town’s leaders for their blessed efforts.
He stressed, ”We must care for the north and the Galilee. The State of Israel is committed to supporting the region and providing the necessary resources for development, growth, and prosperity. As President, I am committed to full equality for all Israeli citizens, of all faiths and beliefs, and to strengthening democracy and the rule of law. We will continue working to reduce violence and increase security, particularly within Arab society, through a joint effort by all involved parties.
“From here, I also address our neighbors in Lebanon and Syria: we do not seek war. We hope for days of freedom, democracy, and peace for all the peoples of the region, within secure and quiet borders.”
He concluded: ”May 2025 bring peace, good tidings, and fruitful shared living for us all.”
