Rivlin heads to Germany to celebrate ties

President Reuven Rivlin leaves to Germany for a ceremony marking 50 years of diplomatic ties between Germany and Israel, a relationship he says “was not always something that was obvious.”

“Fifty years ago I was among a group of students who protested near the President’s Residence at the arrival of the first German ambassador to Israel, and now five decades later, I am as President of Israel, embarking on an official visit to Germany to mark the jubilee of that relationship,” Rivlin says.

“The friendship between Israel and Germany was not always something that was obvious, but was built steadily over the years. Our friendship is one based on shared values of democracy and today our good relations is not just between our governments, but between our two peoples. These things require strengthening on both our behalves, and with both emotion, and filled with hope for the future, I depart for Germany to mark fifty years of a very close friendship.”

Since Wednesday’s swearing-in to the Knesset is set to take place in his absence, the president also wishes Netanyahu luck with the new government.

“I would also take the opportunity, in the knowledge that the new government of Israel is due to be established, to stress that we face many challenges. I send my good wishes for success to the new government in whatever form it takes. The people in Israel need a government able to deal with the challenges we face with insight and understanding.”