On Holocaust Remembrance Day, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett shared a message of hope born of pain. In a statement released Thursday, Bennett recounted a meeting he held with a group of inspiring young Israelis, saying, “Each one of them is working, in their own way, to help heal and rebuild Israel.”
Furthermore, Bennett reflected on Israel’s current challenges and drew parallels between Holocaust survivors and today’s generation of fighters and rebuilders. “If they could rise from total destruction – so can we,” he said.
Meeting the Next Generation of Leaders
The gathering included inspiring young Israelis working to mend the country’s social fabric. Among them were Ariel Menashe, a Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) IDF veteran who founded “Integrating Haredim,” a group supporting ultra-Orthodox participation in broader society; Daniela Gigi, a reserve officer who launched “Iron Community,” an initiative helping people return to the workforce post-crisis; and Raz Malka, a social activist from Kiryat Shmona and founder of “Forum 1701” for residents of Israel’s northern border region, as well as Aviv Ezra, a paratrooper reservist who served 250 days and started “Generation of Victory,” advocating for soldiers’ rights.
“Israel took a devastating hit on October 7, but this generation is determined to repair everything,” Bennett said. He reminded those present that Holocaust survivors, just three years after enduring the atrocities of Nazi Europe, helped establish the State of Israel.
“If our ancestors could build a nation from the ashes 77 years ago, there’s no doubt our own ‘Generation of Lions’ can rebuild it again.”
He ended with a hopeful note: “Am Yisrael Chai – the people of Israel live.”
Recovery from Hospitalization
Bennett’s appearance and message came just days after he was hospitalized following a health scare during a workout. He underwent a cardiac catheterization and remained under observation for several days before being released.
“I want to thank the people of Israel for your care and concern,” he wrote earlier this week. “I’ll be resting at home under observation and plan to return soon to full activity—to make things better for all of us.”
