President Isaac (Yitzhak) Herzog has passionately rallied in support of Jewish communities globally, emphatically denouncing a disturbing rise in anti-Semitism, particularly prevalent among Jewish students at universities across the United States.
In a fervent address, President Herzog vowed absolute solidarity with Jewish populations, expressing profound dismay at the growing hostilities they face. His message from Jerusalem, the heart of Israel, was clear and resolute: "To our brothers and sisters, to our friends on campuses and in the Jewish communities throughout the United States and across the globe, to those who stand by us and protect the people of Israel and the State of Israel, to all people of good will: from Jerusalem, the capital of the State of Israel, I say to you: the people of Israel are with you."
To our sisters and brothers around the world: The people of Israel hear you. The people of Israel stand with you. Do not fear. Stand strong. Together we will overcome.
โ ืืฆืืง ืืจืฆืื Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) May 2, 2024
Watch my special message to Jewish communities and supporters of Israel all around the world. pic.twitter.com/ahRyfZ44VH
President Herzog forcefully criticized the alarming spread of anti-Semitism within esteemed academic circles, slamming these centers of learning for becoming hotbeds of hate and misinformation. "We see prominent academic institutions, halls of history, culture, and education contaminated by hatred and antisemitism fueled by arrogance and ignorance, and driven by moral failings and disinformation. We watch in horror as the atrocities of October 7th against Israel are celebrated and justified.," he stated.
In a powerful rebuke to calls for violence and destruction, President Herzog affirmed, "As they chant for intifada and genocide, we will work โ togetherโ to free our hostages held by Hamas, and fight for civil liberties and our right to believe and belong, for the right to live proudly, peacefully and securely, as Jews, as Israelis โ anywhere."
President @Isaac_Herzog in a special message to Jews around the world:
โ Eylon Levy (@EylonALevy) May 2, 2024
โIn the face of this terrifying resurgence of antisemitism, do not fear. Stand proud. Stand strong for your freedom. Israel stands with you. Israel cares for you. We care for you. We are here for you.โ pic.twitter.com/bNiVg4MIfd
As the Jewish community approaches Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, President Herzog reminded all of the somber past and celebrated the miracle of Israel's rebirth in its ancestral homeland. "Next week the Jewish people will mark Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Memorial Day. We will speak of the dark times of the past, and we will remember the miracle of our rebirth: in our ancient homeland, the Jewish, democratic State of Israel, and throughout the Jewish world," he declared.
President Herzog's message was a resounding call for unity and resilience against the terrifying resurgence of anti-Semitism: "In the face of this terrifying resurgence of antisemitism: Do not fear. Stand proud. Stand strong for your freedom. Israel stands with you. Israel cares for you. We care for you. We are here for you. We will know better times ahead. And together we will say: Am Yisrael Chai!"
We must defend ourselves physically, intellectually and spiritually.
โ Barry Tigay (@TigayBarry) May 2, 2024
Get in shape. Work your body, mind and spirit.
Learn skills of self-defense. When you strengthen yourself, you strengthen your people.
Am Yisrael chai.๐ฎ๐ฑ pic.twitter.com/qJFeeqHtgw
Echoing his deep commitment to these values, President Herzog stressed the collective resolve to fight anti-Semitism and uphold the civil liberties that allow Jews, wherever they are, to live with dignity and security. Herzog was speaking to Jews around the world, however it appears he was also speaking to the protesters, calling them out for ignoring and even altering historical facts while siding with brutal, Islamist terrorists.
The message, sent Thursday afternoon, was not the first time the Israeli President has addressed the campus protests. Earlier this week in a meeting with Antony Blinken, it was reported that Herzog mentioned the rising Jew hatred in America. Herzog, who spent part of his childhood living and attending school in New York while his father served at the Israeli Consulate, understands the American culture more than most Israeli politicians. His connection to the community he lived in on the Upper East Side and the elite Ramaz school he attended has been reinforced over the years. His address to Jews in America appeared to reflect his genuine concern for their well-being but fell short of calling for a mass migration to Israel.
