Central Conference of American Rabbis Congratulates Isaac Herzog on His Election as President of Israel

June 2, 2021

 

The Central Conference of American Rabbis warmly congratulates Isaac “Bougie” Herzog on his election as the eleventh President of the State of Israel. In his current capacity, as Chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel—and in his previous positions as Chairman of the Labor Party and of the Zionist Union alliance—President-elect Herzog has been a friend of our Reform Movement, supporting religious pluralism in Israel and a strong, productive, and mutually supportive relationship between the world’s two largest Jewish communities, in Israel and North America.

President-elect Herzog is worthy of the traditional greeting to the Israeli President, K’vod HaNasi, “Honorable President.” As we learn in Pirkei Avot 4:1, the person deserving of honor is one who honors others. As rabbis on the receiving end of President-elect Herzog’s kavod (honor), we look forward to honoring him in Israel and in North America.

At this time of presidential transition in Israel, Reform rabbis also salute Reuven “Ruvi” Rivlin, the outgoing tenth President of Israel. As President, Rivlin has evidenced high regard for the Reform Movement in Israel and worldwide. We particularly appreciate his advocacy for minority rights in Israel, including that of Israeli Arabs.

The Central Conference of American Rabbis looks forward to a continuation of its longstanding collaboration with President-elect Herzog and pledges its support to his every worthy endeavor in his well-earned, most honorable new role.

 

Rabbi Lewis Kamrass
President

Rabbi Hara E. Person
Chief Executive
Central Conference of American Rabbis