Herzog: “I Hear a Genuine Cry from Bereaved Families for Unity, Dialogue, and Mutual Respect for Understanding the Other”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog spoke today (Monday) at the Besheva and Arutz Sheva 22nd annual Jerusalem Conference, addressing the issue of the hostage deal: “I hear a genuine cry from bereaved families for unity… and from the families of the hostages, the most justified cry and call for their return home.”
A Historic Period
“First, it must be said that we are in a very historic period for the people of Israel. During this time, we must continue to strengthen the nation in the face of surrounding threats and the difficult war, embrace and support the bereaved families who have paid an enormous price for our independence, our existence, and our victory, and work toward bringing our sons and daughters home,” said the president.
Herzog shared that he and his wife have met with over a thousand bereaved families this year. “The people of Israel are an amazing, diverse, and fascinating nation, and each family has its own story – I bow my head in respect every day.”
The Primary Concern – The Hostages
The president addressed the emotions surrounding the decision on future policy regarding the hostage deal and the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. “The primary concern that occupies us as a national collective is the issue of the hostages. The pain is immense, and I know that all of Israel was in true national mourning when we received the devastating news of the brutal murder of the Bibas family and Oded Lifshitz. At the same time, we long for, cry for, rejoice, and are deeply moved to see hostages return home – they are our brothers and sisters,” he said.
The president also emphasized the need to bring all the hostages home, to make every effort to complete their return, and to take all necessary steps to ensure that every last one of them is brought back.
