In a special video message to the Israel Hayom Forum on US-Israel Relations held in Jerusalem on Thursday, President Reuven Rivlin praised the steadfast bond between the two nations.
"America's friendship was and remains vital to the State of Israel's existence and prosperity. This friendship helped us contend with security and economic difficulties, and establish a thriving and prosperous country in the heart of the Middle East, a country that is the national homeland of the Jewish people, a Jewish and democratic state, a state that preserves its legacy and develops technology," Rivlin said.
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Rivlin used the opportunity to thank the American people "for the years of economic, diplomatic and military support, and for their help with bearing the burden of defense.
"Thanks to the alliance between Israel and the United States, Israel today is an island of security and progress, which ensures stability and security throughout the region while making contributions to the entire world in the fields of cyber, medicine, agriculture, security and the economy."
Video: Video: Avi Kaner
The president went on to thank Israel Hayom publisher Dr. Miriam Adelson "for her efforts to bolster the relationship between Israel and the United States," and Israel Hayom owner Sheldon Adelson "for their love and support for the State of Israel.
"I want to thank Israel Hayom Editor-in-Chief Boaz Bismuth for his journalistic work and for his commitment to publishing a daily newspaper with rich and fascinating content."
"I would like to welcome and to thank former US Ambassador to the UN Ms. Nikki Haley. It is a pleasure to welcome you to Israel and to our capital Jerusalem. You are a dear friend of Israel. We appreciate your strong stand on the world's most important stage, in support of the security, of the people, and the State of Israel. And all you did, and still [are] doing – to stand up for the values of freedom and democracy, that we share. Welcome back to Israel, welcome back to Jerusalem," he concluded.
