“Although we are apart, we have never needed each other more,’’ said Israeli President Reuven Rivlin as hosted a reception via video conference for the diplomatic and consulate corps in Israel ahead of Israel’s 72nd Independence Day.
“This year, we celebrate seventy-two years of the independence of the State of Israel in very different times. We are all facing a global challenge, the coronavirus that makes no distinction between nations, races or religions. It has claimed many lives and many people are suffering. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those, all around the world, who have lost loved ones, and those who are ill,” said the president at the beginning of his remarks.
‘’Overcoming this global challenge demands global cooperation and unity,” the president, who spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister, Yoav Katz, added. ‘’It demands sharing experience and know-how. We hope that Israel’s technology and innovation, of which we are so proud, can contribute to the global effort to find solutions to make our world safer and healthier.”
The president also stressed the challenge of the fight against antisemitism, racism and discrimination, everywhere and in any form, saying it will continue and grow stronger.
The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador Hennadii Nadolenko of Ukraine thanked the president on behalf of the diplomats and said, “On this day we not only mark the rebirth of the Jewish national state, we also honor the achievements of Israel that brought worldwide admiration. It is not a secret that many of us views Israel as a modern, innovative economy and a prosperous country.”