In a corner in the corner of the office of President Yitzhak Herzog, a vinyl record stands alone on the shelf.
The old cardboard cover, in black and white, is well preserved and free of wrinkles.
On the front is a portrait of the president's father, Haim Herzog, during the historic speech he delivered as ambassador to the UN General Assembly on November 10, 1975 - which eventually tore to pieces the General Assembly's decision paper, which states that "Zionism is a form of racism."
In terms of public sympathy, Herzog Sr. was the political rock star of the 1970s in Israel, so it is clear why the record gained prestigious real estate in the library of the 11th President. To protest and tear up a paper that endangers the eternity of Israel - this has been in the Herzog DNA for generations.
The president's grandfather, Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Isaac Halevi Herzog, also tore up an acceptance document with a committee - the McDonald's White Paper - during a stormy demonstration in 1939.
When I ask the president if he, too, in an age of enormous political challenges (and also opportunities) facing the doorstep of the country, will tear some text off the stage - he smiles.
"Generation after generation will express and every generation and its challenges and circumstances," he says, "I was privileged to see my father tear up the decision that Zionism is racism, and this battle has not disappeared from the world. - To continue to fight for the justice of our existence, the justice of Zionism. Today there are terrible and terrible voices trying to define us as an apartheid state. We must fight them fiercely, and this requires moves Such will be heard. "
You also mean the terminology that comes from Tehran?
"Our evildoers are not resting for a moment, especially the Iranians, their metastases and extensions. They are trying to drive a wedge between us and all the elements in the region who strengthen and cooperate with us, and I think some of the deliberate flare we saw recently in the Temple Mount and Al-Aqsa Mosque was another attempt."
It seems that national anxiety is not going to go away. In a poll by the Pnima movement on the occasion of Holocaust Remembrance Day, published last week, 47 percent of Israelis expressed concern about a second Holocaust for the Jewish people.
"I was surprised by the survey, and I think it reflects a state of accumulation within Israeli society from generation to generation - especially towards Memorial Day and Independence Day and around security events. It is a feeling of anxiety, which on the one hand does not have to exist That you grew up with it as part of the ethos acquired from your childhood in the country.It burns you in the mind, and you move between all sorts of dates of memory.
"But now we're starting to see other days. I'm now in the centenary period - and I've already mentioned two or three centennial events for the founding of the city, or colony. And there are of course positive events - the Balfour Declaration, the San Remo Conference. .
So despite the anxiety, which is our lot, do you also have full confidence in Israel's security and national resilience?
"I have full faith in the power of the nation and the state to face every challenge, and faith in all its security systems. On Independence Day we must say thank you to the IDF, the Shin Bet, the Mossad, the Israel Police and the security forces - who guard our country and our cities. Let them continue like this and stop all evil. The latest wave of terror, which came to us in a sense as a surprise, is also part of the intergenerational challenge, in every generation. Most of the IDF General Staff.
I recently said to King Abdullah - do you understand that this is my childhood experience?
For me, to sit here with you, in Jordan, is a statement that radiates respect and peace and mutual cooperation, despite the disagreements. "
In praise of the "soft power"
Yitzhak (Buzi) Herzog took office on July 7 last year.
This was the quietest, smoothest and most natural entrance to the Presidential Palace of Israel for decades.
Without the demons of Moshe Katsav, without the high profile and PR envelope of the late Shimon Peres, and free from the political controversies he dragged with him to the position of Reuven Rivlin.
Herzog, not only as a descendant of an Israeli and Jewish aristocratic dynasty, entered the house on Sderot Hanasi 3 in Jerusalem with a perfect timing for those who want to get out of the ceremony and protocol - into the realms of political and social influence.
The ongoing crisis that is sweeping the political system, which has led to four election campaigns since April 2019 and culminating in who we will be - is more than a shred of opportunity.
This chaotic reality branded Herzog, almost immediately and reluctantly, as a kind of "responsible adult" - politically, socially, and despite his distinct state status - also politically.
"The power I have as president is SOFT POWER," Herzog recalls in a conversation with him, which took place at the president's residence on your father's Jerusalem morning. Chronic instability causes prices we do not know as citizens to estimate - and directly affects our quality of life, our cost of living, our health, our children's education and our national security.
"A reformed country should always move a budget and plan for the long term. We have so many challenges, that sometimes - and I do not say this as a cliché - I really do not sleep at night. We could have these challenges, not widowed Israel, but when there is instability it also affects "The ability to prepare for them. I, as president, will make every effort to contribute to this stability, not in the political vision of who will lead, but in the vision of ensuring a healthy political process."
Do you think the system of government should change?
"All kinds of methods have been tried. In the end, we need to recognize the fact that we are a multicultural society, and therefore a multi-party one. I try to act as president to develop a social perception that Israel is the nation state of the Jewish people." And her personal identity. But there is one national ethos, and there are positive energies of a society that has a mission and a mission, that together can move forward. Of a reasonable life together. "
We are in the days of security tensions, smooth in front of elements in the Arab sector, mostly in front of the Palestinians. During your years in the Knesset, you always had a very good relationship with the Arab leadership. How do you think the flames can be lowered?
"Most of the Arab public in Israel is in the process of dramatic integration in all walks of life, so I would be careful to state that there is tension with Arab society. There is tension with certain groups. There is often a great desire to integrate, and this also affects Arab politics. In a permanent appointment in the Supreme Court, and Michal and I see on our tours masses of young Arab women and young men breaking glass ceilings in various circles.
"The first Arab intern in my law firm, Herzog Fox Ne'eman, was my intern - his name was Summer Haj Yahya, and today he is the chairman of Bank Leumi LeIsrael, which I mention was the bank that Herzl established for the Zionist movement.
So the sky did not fall, and Summer leads the bank with tremendous success.
This model needs to be projected on other things, and it is happening in many countries, for example in India, where minorities also occupy key positions.
It happens in advanced companies, and it should happen to us as well. "
But as soon as the Al-Aqsa Mosque enters the picture - and this happens mainly on Jewish and Muslim holidays and festivals that have become periods of encouraging terrorism - the rationale on the ground is damaged, and incitement outweighs any attempt at moderation.
"There is no doubt that social networks have meaning in this situation, as they present unfiltered products and allow for a distorted interpretation of reality. We, as the most sophisticated start-up nation in the world, must produce solutions that bring the truth to the public's attention. "Special education in all schools in Israel, which will deal with understanding and learning about all the beliefs and religions that live within us. It is critical so that we can understand the other and the other within us."
And what about the perennial ban on Jews ascending the Temple Mount during the last ten days of Ramadan? Do you support this restriction?
"As a Jewish people and a Jewish cabbage in the country, we have always respected beliefs and religions, certainly religions that believe, like us, in one God. Al-Aqsa Mosque is a sensitive place, and this sensitivity has meanings. Security forces make a tremendous effort to ensure freedom of worship on the mountain, but it always requires caution I respect Jews who want to ascend the Temple Mount, even though I am from the school, which I have inherited from my grandparents and great rabbis to this day, which forbids ascending the mountain. "In the last days of Ramadan, it is only natural that the State of Israel should prevent Jews from ascending the Temple Mount in order to allow these prayers to be held."
If I take it basically to the political side of the equation, do you believe the Arab leadership must be part of the decision-making from within the government?
"It is already a political question, but the natural process of integrating political elements from Arab society at the decision-makers' table was expected on the timeline. This combination should be allowed to happen at the top as well. It is a process that happens in all nations. He was even a Muslim chief of staff, although there is a not-so-simple inter-religious tension in Indian society.
"Although we will not see a Muslim chief of staff in the State of Israel in future generations, the symbolism of integration into the circles of life is correct and natural."
Early request from Zlansky
During Herzog's tenure as chairman of the Jewish Agency, he dealt extensively with immigration from the Commonwealth of Independent States.
"The tragedy in Ukraine is terrible and there is enormous suffering," the president said. "Thousands of Israelis are currently on Ukrainian soil, helping the Ukrainian people on humanitarian grounds. That their father stayed in Ukraine to fight.This is a lovely Jewish family, who immigrated to Israel through the agency, and the situation on the holiday table was heartbreaking: the gift the boy asked for Afikoman was 'Bring me Daddy'.
"The development of this tragedy is another wave of immigration, seen from Ukraine as well as from other peoples countries. This is noticeable because of the geo-strategic developments that affect families, who do not know what the future holds for them. Jews are preparing for a significant rise in anti-Semitism because of the wave of refugees, the expected rise in prices, the lack of goods and tensions that the war produces. "This is a very welcome thing, and it is putting the State of Israel on a huge swing and growing, compared to most of the countries that are slowing down."
As President, are you also politically active in this war sector, similar, say, to your involvement in Turkey and Jordan?
"I am involved in contacts with heads of state and leaders from all over the world, in various fields. Some are far from the eye. In the case of Ukraine and Russia, the main effort is from Prime Minister Bennett, and I congratulated him on his attempt to bring about a ceasefire and dialogue with both sides. Because it maintains good relations with the leaders of the two countries, and there are significant Jewish communities in the background. "In front of Putin, and I conveyed the message - that it was not answered."
You are a very significant political player - also because of the unique political situation of the government. How do you perceive the essence of your role in this arena, so as not to step on the toes of the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister?
"The Prime Minister and I are excellent collaborators, talk and consult a lot. I came to the position with a pool of political connections and extensive political experience, so I contribute it to the system in full coordination and in good spirits. In my opinion, The integration of the State of Israel in the region. Next year we will mark the Jubilee of the Yom Kippur War. 50 years ago we had no contact with any of our neighbors, and today most of our neighbors are very close allies. This is preachy. Impressive in Abu Dhabi, King of Jordan, there is an official reception for me despite the challenges and tensions, and this is an important historical development, as is the visit to Turkey, which was the first Muslim country to recognize Israel and establish diplomatic relations with it. "It's real because the Turks are improving relations. All of this is creating a very positive atmosphere."
"Somewhere in the Middle East, a 10-year-old boy sees on television a Jewish leader shaking hands with a Muslim leader - and understands that there is an alternative to war." Herzog with Erdogan in March this year, Photo: AFP
Can you imagine your visit to Saudi Arabia in the foreseeable future?
"There are countries in the region that need to get on the train of the Abrahamic Agreements, with some of us we have indirect or existing ties. Saudi Arabia is one of these target countries. It is a very important country, which should definitely join the family of Abrahamic Agreements. But it is a process that depends not only on us. But also in the internal processes in Saudi Arabia and in Saudi-US relations.
"I would definitely love to have the opportunity to attend an open meeting in Saudi Arabia one day."
This is an important statement for the Saudis.
"True, and it must be said. After visiting Turkey I said that somewhere in the Middle East a 10-year-old boy watches television and sees a picture of a Jewish, Israeli leader shaking hands with a regional Muslim leader - Erdogan, Muhammad bin Zayed, King Abdullah or President al-Sisi. This boy says to himself "There is an alternative. In the subconscious he understands that there is an alternative to war. It is clear that at the same time there are hostile elements who are trying their best to sabotage the process - force, violence, hatred, spreading lies." He will not be able to stand up to him. "
"At eye level in front of Torah scholars"
Herzog was born in Tel Aviv in the late summer of 1960 and was named after his grandfather, Rabbi Herzog - who was the chief Ashkenazi rabbi of Eretz Israel after Rabbi Kook, and later the first chief rabbi of the state.
It seems that more than his name, the president inherited from his grandfather the deep connection to the Jewish text and universal curiosity, as well as a close connection with the rabbinate: the grandfather was a magnet for all the rabbis of Eretz Israel .
The president emphasizes that the leap between the big world and the book of halakhah goes back in the family for hundreds of years.
"Great-grandfather Rabbi Yoel Herzog and also Rabbi Shmuel Yitzchak Hillman, my grandmother's father, were huge Torah scholars - but also great men of the world. Rabbi Yoel was a rabbi in Paris, and at the time wrote a book against cars, which were then in their infancy. The New Death '-' La Noble Moore ', which was published in French.
"Rabbi Shmuel Yitzchak Hillman wrote an obituary for King George. He was the father of the court in England and wrote about royalty. Therefore, it was natural that my grandparents, Rebbetzin Herzog, absorbed the great ways of life all their lives. 12 languages about marine biology, about the azure and the crimson in the clothes of a high priest, which of course is also expressed in the colors of the Israeli flag. This spirit, of endless curiosity, we all in the family absorbed. Books of Thought and Research, Hebrew Law. I hope to complete this year's Grandpa's responsa and new editions of Great Grandpa as well, 'The Righteous Light'. "
It is a universal Judaism, not necessarily a local one, in which the super-temporal Jewish text serves as a physical place and a homeland.
"We attach great importance to tradition, the written word and the vision of the big world. Our traditional worldview is ultimately central, moderate, diverse, respectful and very stimulated to new ideas. My brother, Mike, Israel's Ambassador to the United States, is also publishing a book with Shlomi. Haski, about our father, who was a fighter in the British army during World War II - but the book is called 'Jewish Fighter' ".
It seems that the closeness to the rabbinate has skipped a generation, a complication - to you. Your father was perceived as a more secular Jewish figure.
"Father studied at the Hebron Yeshiva, but had a complex dialogue with religion. He was a man of full faith, but he had an argument with the rabbinical establishment, because when he immigrated from Ireland he found this establishment petrified and not dealing with world reality. He thought religious politics was corrupt. Was open on the subject and even blunt. But he instilled in us the faith and respect for tradition, and I pray in a synagogue that he erected in joy. "A mad German, on the banks of the Rhine before crossing it, and how, together with another Jewish sergeant, they pull out a small package of matzah they received from the rabbi and say, 'Next year in Jerusalem,' while they do not know if they will live another five minutes."
"So for me, the political experience I gained along with the knowledge I gained at home was a great advantage, because I felt I could speak at eye level with Torah scholars. The state-religious in Israel and opened wide horizons for me to see Diaspora Jewry.
The head of the school, Rabbi Yechezkel Lokstein, who is now 90 years old, came with all his flocks to Pesach, to Jerusalem, and I received them at the President's house.
Michal said to his entire congregation, you do not understand how much your rabbi influenced Isaac's life - that's what she called me.
All of this shows, in my opinion, how important it is to get to know the lifestyles of other communities and a rich and varied Jewish life even outside the door of your mothers.
Grandfather, Chief Rabbi Herzog, Photo: From Wikipedia
"Demand in the Family for the Elderly"
In January of this year, Herzog's mother, Ora, the wife of the sixth president, passed away, "a great figure from life and an inexhaustible source of power," as her son defined her after her death.
Herzog, a very family president, has in recent months waged a kind of internal struggle with himself - wanting to preserve and present his private mourning, even as a total public figure.
The bearded bristles have adorned his cheeks ever since, although the laws of mourning do not apply to Jewish law on a head of state.
"Even a president is ultimately a son of his mother," says Herzog, "and this dissonance is hard. You want to come together in mourning, to be with yourself, and on the other hand to convey fashion. The old man is my choice for expressing my mourning. Minyan and say Kaddish every day in the year of mourning, even in Abu Dhabi and Ankara I insisted on doing so.
"After the thirties I lowered my beard a bit, but there was a great demand, and within the family there was a lively conversation including recommendations, and I say this with a smile, from some young fans. Then we'll see what I do after the Omer count. "The first remembrance where I mentioned Mom. It hit me. The remembrance is a very short but significant prayer. I remember how much Dad honored that moment in prayer."
The father, Haim Herzog, 1975, Photo: GPO
"Our Hidden Light"
According to Herzog, the commitment and openness of the institution of the presidency to the entire Israeli public is "admiring the Israeli editions, and especially the beauty of the younger generation who enlist and give of themselves. Every encounter with female and male soldiers elevates our souls. The wonderful country from all kinds of different ascents and backgrounds, with an unquestionable commitment. "
MK Ayman Odeh, who called on young people in the Arab sector not to serve in the army, seems unacceptable.
In 2015, he suffered a painful loss in the election against Netanyahu. Now that you're at the President's House, the Israeli Consensus Tower, the personal feeling is of completion? Of closing a circle?
"Look, I've never delved into my feelings about it, but it's an interesting question. That episode is behind me, I closed it in a bottle and threw it into the sea - in the sense that I do not hold a grudge, that I understand there was a legitimate result, and I respected it, even if I hurt it personally. "
From "Beautiful Woman" to "The New World" - the questionnaire
The most beloved word in Hebrew?
"Love".
The place you most connect with in Israel?
"This is a difficult question. In a country that has six beautiful ecosystems, every place excites me. Michal and I are sick of Jerusalem, and happy that we live in it. We dreamed about it for many years."
An Israeli leader who is the greatest inspiration of all?
"Ben-Gurion, of course. This is a character who fascinates me and speaks to me from a very young age, perhaps also because of my father's connection to him and that his eldest daughter, Geula, was my elementary educator. "The understanding that Israel must always be strong, with a strong army, and Ben-Gurion's impressive democracy, his discourse with thinkers."
A particularly favorite book?
"I read chronic books, mainly of history and biographies. Now I have completed the wonderful book about Haim Weizmann, 'Father of the Nation' by Yehuda Reinhartz and Moti Golani, and I immediately got a picture of him with a dedication to my uncle, Abba Even. I read several books at once - one , In English, called 'FIRST FRIENDS' by Gary Ginsberg, deals with the closest friends of US presidents for their generations and examines how they have influenced them.
Send me the same childhood friend from New York.
I also read Polly Bronstein's excellent book, The Queue of Moderation, which was very interesting.
I do not fall asleep before reading a book. "
favorite film?
"Michal and I are fans of series and movies, but today it's a little harder. The movie where our love was at heart is 'Beautiful Woman,' which we've seen many times since, just to remember sweet moments."
"Our film is 'Beautiful Woman.'"
The President with his wife, Michal, Photo: Haim Tzach, GPO
Music that goes with you?
"I grew up in a very musical home. My mother had a grand piano all her life, which her parents brought from Egypt, and I myself played instruments. My favorite piece is Dvořák's The New World, and from my youth, if I want to relax, I put it on in full force. "
"The source of Israeli resilience is in family."
President Herzog with Amar Lachmanovich, Photo: The President's House
An event or historical date that is an anchor of Israeliness for you?
"There is a lot. I am very excited to be the keynote speaker on behalf of the entire people of Israel at the Holocaust Remembrance Day Yad Vashem, and of course Remembrance Day - the sheer Israeli event that speaks to me most of all. Before it I feel like a high priest before Yom Kippur The next day, on Independence Day, 120 outstanding soldiers were honored and I just read the summary of their life story - this is the miraculous microcosm of the State of Israel. Historically, it is very important in building our security alliances. "
What do you wish for the people of Israel and the state in its 74th year?
"The source of our nation's resilience is the wonderful family that exists within it, in all groups, and it is the one that allows internal stability in a challenged society, with a lot of rifts and tensions within it. This is the pillow of security. "If a little humor and cynicism are allowed, a little self-praise for the successes and achievements, for the inexhaustible wisdom that exists, for the hidden light that exists in our society. Happy Independence Day!"
shishabat@israelhayom.co.il
Were we wrong?
Fixed!
If you found an error in the article, we'll be happy for you to share it with us