Handing out Purim treats, Rivlin praises female troops

President Reuven Rivlin handed out treats to members of the Israeli security forces on Sunday in honor of the Jewish holiday of Purim.

Speaking with IDF soldiers and Border Police officers at the Ofer checkpoint near Ramallah, Rivlin singled out female troops for praise in light of comments broadcast last week made by controversial rabbi Yigal Levinstein saying IDF service has “driven our girls crazy.”

“We came to give you mishloah manot, my dear ones,” the president told the female troops, “and to tell you how much we appreciate and…are proud of you.”

“Alongside every great male fighter is a wonderful female fighter,” he said, handing out the packages.

“You are the essence of our ability to celebrate Purim in peace and security,” Channel 2 quoted him as saying.

The food packages Rivlin handed out to the female soldiers also contained a handwritten letter from the president and his wife Nechama.

“To our heroic female soldiers, we love and embrace you for what you are, thanks to what you are. Go forth with your strength and redeem Israel,” the note read, according to Channel 2.