After the failure of the compromise talks between the coalition and the opposition at the president's residence, and after the moving and respectful reception he received when he addressed the US Congress, Israeli President Isaac Bouji Herzog issued a statement today (Wednesday), on the eve of Tisha B'Av, in which he referred to the events of the past week, after the cancellation of the reasonableness that led hundreds of thousands to demonstrations throughout the country.
"My sisters and brothers, on the eve of Tisha B'Av - our national day of destruction, and I would like to address you from the bottom of my heart," the president began. "We are in the midst of extremely difficult days. I see the pictures and hear the voices in the streets, in the Knesset and on social networks. I see many Israelis and Israelis, so caring, so committed, in immense pain, frustration, and deep and genuine anxiety about what is happening and what will yet happen. I see and hear well and up close, and the things that come out of the heart come in and shake the heart.
"Honestly, I wake up in the morning these days with deep frustration and a difficult feeling of crisis. I, too, am in a storm of emotions. I'm hurting too, and I'm angry too.
"As someone who thought that consent was possible and worked with all his might around the clock to help, bridge, compromise, reach out and set up ladders to help everyone get down from the tree - I am very disappointed.
"In recent months, I have warned about this moment. I begged for listening, for reaching out and for responsibility. I spoke about two camps in Israel that stand against each other, about the potential for violence, about polarization that will dismantle us, about the social, economic, and security damage, and about our enemies from far and near, who rub hands with pleasure and plot. Today there is no longer any doubt - the challenge is greater than ever.
"The moments are difficult, as I said, but with all the pain, frustration and emotional turmoil, I am more determined than ever and not willing to give up and lose hope. Even if the chance is smallest, my team and I will continue to work in every possible way to lower walls and build bridges. There is no more important task, and there is no higher mission for me – as president and as a citizen – than healing and uniting the people, and preserving the State of Israel and our democracy.
"Just a week ago, I declared to the US Congress that I believe in the strength of Israeli democracy, and I pledged to protect and protect it from all guards. I stand behind every word and insist that democracy is deeply embedded in Israel's DNA.
"As I have emphasized in the past, greater responsibility, even if not exclusive, for finding solutions that will benefit the state and society as a whole will always lie with those who have the power and reins of power. This is how democracy works. I expect to see very soon the words of reassurance turn into action, and the messages of outreach reflected in a concrete and binding work plan. We must all understand the challenge and the fateful consequences.
"At this difficult time, when so much is at stake, I appeal to everyone – elected officials, opinion leaders, the media, and the entire Israeli public with all its beautiful diversity and many beliefs and opinions, and I urge – even at the height of pain, we must maintain the boundaries of the dispute and refrain from violence and irreversible measures. We must imagine our life together here in forty, fifty and a hundred years, and how every action will affect our children and grandchildren, and the bridges between us.
"I call upon our brothers and sisters, reservists and volunteers from all IDF units – patriots with all their hearts, lovers of the people and the country, and say: I love you dearly, and admire your dedication, sacrifice, and deep and painful concern. You really are the best of the best. But at the same time, I fear for Israel's security, which has been harmed by the threats of not volunteering or reporting for service, and even more so by their implementation. Please reconsider every move. I trust you to keep the State of Israel stable and secure. After all, it has always been, and will forever be, the home of us all. Yours too. Your children's and families' too.
"We are on the eve of Tisha B'Av and the voice of the wings of history cries out: This is the time for restraint, this is the time for responsibility, this is the time to guard the supreme commandment: just not civil war. I believe in us. I believe that with a joint effort we can make Tisha B'Av, in the spirit of the Prophet's words, a day of consolation with our own hands, if only we fulfill what is written at the end of his prophecy: "Truth and peace loved."
Wrong? We'll fix it! If you find a mistake in the article, please share with us