President Isaac Herzog sent his greetings this morning (Tuesday) to participants in the 25th National Conference of the Bnei Akiva movement, which opened at Or Etzion in Merkaz Shapira. In his remarks, he called for internal unity and collective responsibility in facing the current challenges confronting Israeli society.
The Heroism of the Movement’s Alumni
In a recorded message sent to the conference, Herzog praised Bnei Akiva for its long-standing contribution to Israeli society. He also acknowledged the role of religious Zionism during the ongoing war and paid tribute to the many alumni of the movement who have been killed or wounded:
“We have paid a heavy price as a nation – as have religious Zionism and Bnei Akiva. Many alumni have fallen in battle. Many have performed acts of heroism.”
The president emphasized the importance of balancing Jewish and democratic values:
“We must stand together to shape and strengthen the character of our state – its Jewish spirit and its democratic spirit. I call on all of us, especially you, to unite and continue asking ourselves what more each of us can do for the people, the Torah, and the land.”
He concluded with a prayer for the return of the hostages, the healing of the wounded, and the safety of IDF soldiers:
“I renew my call to do everything possible to bring them home urgently – every last one of them.”
“The People of Israel in Their Land Will Not Surrender – They Will Prevail”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also addressed the Bnei Akiva members, saying:
“This year, there is something more – and that something is spirit. The Jewish spirit, the Zionist spirit, the spirit that does not surrender to the challenges of the time, the spirit that says ‘the eternity of Israel comes first.’ You pass that spirit on to those who go through your institutions – and they, in turn, carry it with them on the battlefield.”
The prime minister also honored the members of Bnei Akiva who have fallen in this difficult war:
“This is the power of Israel’s renewal. The People of Israel in their land – they will not give it up, they will not surrender, they will prevail.”
“An Overwhelming Majority Rejects Calls for Civil War”
It is worth recalling that about a week ago, during a swearing-in ceremony for new judges at the President’s Residence, President Herzog addressed the internal tensions facing the country and called for a unifying public discourse and agreements between the branches of government.
“There is an overwhelming majority in the public that is deeply repelled by disturbing calls – for civil war, for disobedience to the law, and for defying court rulings,” Herzog said. He added, “There is also a clear majority who agree that the relationship between the branches of government needs to be improved and anchored in broad agreements and foundational legislation. The only way to achieve this is through listening, partnership, and reaching agreements.”
