President Reuven Rivlin appears to criticize Israel’s relations with international leaders who support Israel but have a problematic track record vis-a-vis the Jewish community.
Hosting representatives of the World Union of Jewish Students at his residence in Jerusalem, the president says it is important to clearly oppose all forms of racism and anti-Semitism, including by those that claim to support Israel.
“One cannot hate Jews and love Israel, just as one cannot hate Israel and love Jews,” he says. “There can be no compromise on this position.”
President Reuven Rivlin (center) hosts representatives of the World Union of Jewish Students at his residence in Jerusalem, January 2, 2020 (President’s Office)
The governments of Hungary and Poland have both adopted staunchly pro-Israel positions in recent years, while also being accused of encouraging anti-Semitic sentiment in their countries and showing a troubling acceptances of far-right activists.
Rivlin adds, “As young leaders you are on the frontline in facing anti-Semitism, and I know that it is not always easy to express your identity or support Israel on campus. Even wearing a kippah or a Star of David can be dangerous sometimes.
“You are on the frontline in fighting BDS campaigns on campus, which seek to harm Israel, and to distance young Jews from Israel. Thank for all that you do for us.”
Your next read: ToI Editors' Picks
LIMITED TIME OFFER: Join The Times of Israel Community today and you'll receive a physical book of your choice, carefully curated by our editors.
Choose between two must-reads: When We See You Again by Rachel Goldberg-Polin, a searing portrait of a mother’s grief and strength following unthinkable tragedy;
Or Out of the Sky: Heroism and Rebirth in Nazi Europe by Matti Friedman, the gripping and surprising tale of a forgotten moment during World War II.
As a Community member, you’ll also enjoy our DocuNation series of outstanding Israeli documentary films, an ad-free experience of our site and podcasts, commenting privileges, and more.
We’re really pleased that you’ve read X Times of Israel articles in the past month.
That’s why we started the Times of Israel - to provide discerning readers like you with must-read coverage of Israel and the Jewish world.
So now we have a request. Unlike other news outlets, we haven’t put up a paywall. But as the journalism we do is costly, we invite readers for whom The Times of Israel has become important to help support our work by joining The Times of Israel Community.
For as little as $6 a month you can help support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE, as well as accessing exclusive content available only to Times of Israel Community members.
Thank you, David Horovitz, Founding Editor of The Times of Israel
From the Liveblog of
Thursday, January 2, 2020
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on Google
