Rivlin urges Israelis not to fall prey to American-style divisions

President Reuven Rivlin calls on Israelis to not fall victim to the types of divisions that led to the attack on the US Capitol Building yesterday.

“We must ensure that even if the gaps are deep, our democracy will protect us as a people, as society and a state,” he says.

“The pictures of the disturbances from Capitol Hill are shocking. They remind us all that democracy, even when it is strong and deeply rooted, is not to be taken for granted,” says Rivlin, who congratulated President-elect Joe Biden on the certification of his victory by the US Congress.

The president’s comments come just before Israel is due to enter a national lockdown in light of a growing coronavirus outbreak.

“I call on all public leaders — in all towns, from all sectors of society, political leaders and spiritual leaders, mayors, heads of civil society organizations — please, do your duty and stop the threat of anarchy. The lockdown, with all its restrictions as decided by the government, applies to us all,” he says.