President Rivlin spoke at the Christian Media Summit at the President’s Residence

President Rivlin:

“These are difficult times for our region.  The war in Syria continues and Iran continues to spread hatred and extremism here and across the world. The Christian communities of our region are paying a terrible price. Israel is working with our allies, around the world to fight terror and extremism to bring peace to our region. By coming here you are showing you care deeply for Israel and for its people, and that you share my hope that peace will come to the Holy Land.”

Talking about the development of the Qasr al Yahud baptismal site in the Jordan valley:

“This is an exceptional development project and I am proud to promote it. Already, it is one of the main sites of pilgrimage for Christians of all denominations who come in growing numbers. We are working with the Christian world as a whole and we hope that one day you will all be able to go safely and follow the whole route from Jerusalem to Nazareth via Jericho and bathe in the waters of the River Jordan.”

President Reuven Rivlin today, 16 October / 7 Cheshvan, hosted the Christian Media Summit of broadcasters, publishers, journalists and communicators from around the world, organized by the Government Press Office, at the President’s Residence. The conference, which takes place over three days, is entitled “70 Years of Israel” and deals with Israel’s achievements over the years, including in the fields of innovation and cyber, as well as the challenges facing Israel in the international and media arenas. Over 180 senior writers, editors and journalists are taking part in the conference, from Christian media networks from around the world, and taking part in discussions on various subjects.

The president welcomed the conference participants and began his remarks with a story about the roots of the Jewish people in Jerusalem and the recent archeological discovery: “Just last week, we found writing on a stone here in Jerusalem.  It is from the first century BCE - two thousand one hundred years old. It has a name on it – Hananyia son of Dodalos from Jerusalem. It says Jerusalem in Hebrew letters that any first-grader in Israel could read. It’s the oldest item we have ever found with Jerusalem written as we read it today. It was found when building the new high-speed railway that links Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. It’s a truly remarkable find that links our past to our future.”

President Rivlin continued: “Something else remarkable happened in Jerusalem this year. More than 50 years after Jerusalem was liberated, reunited, as the capital of Israel, and on the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel I was delighted that the Embassy of the United States of America moved to Jerusalem.  Others have already followed and we hope more will come. Thank you, President Trump!”

The president talked about the development of Qasr el Yahud, the site where Jesus was baptized and the monasteries nearby, which is one of the most important Christian sites in the Jordan valley area: “This is an exceptional development project and I am proud to promote it. Already, it is one of the main sites of pilgrimage for Christians of all denominations who come in growing numbers. We are working with the Christian world as a whole and we hope that one day you will all be able to go safely and follow the whole route from Jerusalem to Nazareth via Jericho and bathe in the waters of the River Jordan.”

“70 years on, Israel is now a modern state inspired by an ancient history.  Right here in Jerusalem, technology companies that make the world a better place stand on ground where the stories in the Bible happened.  The words of Ezekiel, that Israel will prosper and flourish, are coming true,” he said.

Speaking about the regional situation, the president said, “Dear friends, these are difficult times for our region.  The war in Syria continues and Iran continues to spread hatred and extremism here and across the world. The Christian communities of our region are paying a terrible price. Israel is working with our allies, around the world to fight terror and extremism to bring peace to our region. By coming here you are showing you care deeply for Israel and for its people, and that you share my hope that peace will come to the Holy Land. I believe that it is possible. I believe that we can build understanding between Israelis and Palestinians.  I believe we can build confidence between the two peoples. I believe, more than anything, that Israelis and Palestinians are not doomed to live together; we are destined to live together.”

In conclusion, President Rivlin thanked the conference participants. “Dear friends, thank you again for coming to Jerusalem. Please take home with you a message of peace from the Holy Land, and a love for Israel. Even more importantly, come back soon,” he said.