Inviting Trump to Israel, Rivlin says he’s worried by divides in US society

President Reuven Rivlin on Sunday expressed concern at divisions in US society and a rise in anti-Semitism there.

Addressing the opening dinner of the Annual Israel Leadership Mission of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Organizations, Rivlin said: “We are very concerned by polarization in society and politics, and we share your concerns for these trends that you have experienced in the US.” He added: “When a society is divided, it is not easy to find and maintain the shared vision, and the shared space.

He expressed concern, too, about rising anti-Semitism in the US and the challenge that brings. “It is also, a very sensitive time for the Jewish community, which you represent,” he said. American Jews have experienced a sharp rise in anti-Semitism over the course of the presidential campaign and this year. Among the incidents, Jewish centers in 27 states and Canada received telephone bomb threats last month.

At the same time, Rivlin congratulated President Donald Trump on his election victory. Extending an invitation to Trump to visit Israel, he asked the visiting Jewish leaders to pass on his invitation to the president.

“I also want to send from here, my warm wishes to President Trump, and I hope he is able to visit us soon,” Rivlin said.

Finding a silver lining, Rivlin suggested that divisions in the US could also act to unify the country: “Sometimes it is only at times of tragedy that we are able to come together. America’s strength is important and dear to us all,” he said.

In his remarks, Rivlin said Israel was an anchor for all Jews, regardless of their political affiliation.

“We respect all the Jews in North America, and we know that Israel is important to you,” he said. “We appreciate your concern, and we have no doubt that, whatever your politics, you care for the safety, for the prosperity, and for the well-being of the State of Israel.”

However, he warned against making Israel into an issue for one side or the other of the US political spectrum. “We cannot allow Israel to be a political football between different sides, between different ideologies.” The president added, “Support for Israel must and will always remain a bi-partisan issue.

Rivlin ended his remarks by setting out a vision of Israel as an example for the rest of the world. “I assure you all,” he said, “that we will continue to build this country, as a light unto the nations, a Jewish democratic state.”

The mission was led by Chairman Stephen M. Greenberg, and CEO/Executive Vice Chairman Malcolm Hoenlein and brought together more than 100 leaders from the Conference’s 52 member organizations and National Leadership Council. The dinner kicked off a four-day stay in Israel, which followed visits by some delegates to Morocco and Egypt, where they were hosted by President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi.

Also Sunday, Hoenlein looked to Trump to lead in the battle against anti-Semitism. “I think that the president helps set the tone for a country. … I’m hopeful that what he said about … addressing hate and racism of all kinds in American society will be translated into clear action.”

AP contributed to this report.