President Isaac Herzog's swearing-in speech last week was both impressive and important. It was a speech that combined Jewish, historical, social, and international motifs.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
He touched us all when he spoke about his legacy and his parents, and me personally when he talked about his mother's confrontation with old age. Most of his declaration about what he intended to do was devoted to domestic issues in Israeli society. The rifts, the polarization, the different sectors.
Especially in light of the round of diplomatic conversations that Herzog has been holding with world leaders these past few days, including King Abdullah of Jordan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas – I am choosing to emphasize a section at the end of his speech, which talked about his commitment to helping the state of Israel's status in international public opinion.
"I am committed to helping the government of Israel defend Israel's righteousness in the world … battle antisemitism and hatred for Israel … stand alongside IDF soldiers and commanders, including in niche battles in the arena of international law…"
Since the term of the late President Shimon Peres, it has seemed as if diplomatic activity has been abandoned for the sake of dealing with domestic issues in Israeli society and the Jewish world. Diplomatic activity that puts the justness of Israel's path at the forefront of the world stage, does not apologize, and take action against modern-day antisemitism.
Herzog brings years of experience in these areas. The doors of the world are open to the president of Israel, and he has the authority to develop an immense enterprise that can propel Israeli outreach forward. Cooperation with national leaders and presidents, people of influence, organizations, and of course with Prime Minister Bennett and Foreign Minister Lapid, will double the power of the president's activity in the world.
This will also be an important legacy for generations to come, and who knows – might even help one of us with a shared goal.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
