JERUSALEM (Press Release)– President Reuven Rivlin and First Lady Nechama Rivlin hosted a special meeting of NA`AMAT, The Movement for the Advancement of the Status of Women, with the attendance of over one hundred and twenty representatives of the organization, from seven countries across North America, South America, and Europe. The meeting marked the opening of the NA’AMAT International Solidarity Conference, dedicated to strengthening the bond between communities around the world and the State of Israel.
The President welcomed the representatives warmly and said, “The State of Israel has always been committed to the value of equality. In the Declaration of Independence, our leaders committed themselves to the complete social and political equality for all citizens of Israel, without distinction of religion, race, or gender. And when we promise something we than must be committed to working hard to deliver on our promises. You, the women of NA’AMAT have always supported the State of Israel, and dedicated so much to the welfare of the citizens of Israel. You were always proud Zionists, even in times when people were afraid to show public support for Israel. Moreover, your support helped, and still helps us, to ensure that we live up to our promises and that we keep alive the symbiotic connection between Israel’s Jewish and democratic identities.”
First Lady Nechama Rivlin also spoke to the participants, she said, “Earlier this week, I met with women in a shelter for battered women. Our human nature makes us forget harsh memories and traumatic experiences in order to be able to move on. But there are things that we just cannot forget. In the very same way that these women simply cannot forget their awful experiences, I cannot forget the stories I heard from them. I also cannot forget how great a change we have witnessed in our society. Today, women are leading our society. As judges, professors, politicians – we are the change that we want to see in the world, and we are not alone in this journey. Many partners have helped us create a better future for our children – for the young, for the old, whether Muslim, Christian, or Jews. Many members of our community are looking for ways to improve our world, knowing that it is our shared responsibility: with the understanding that our own welfare depends on that of our neighbor. I want to thank you, dear women, volunteers, for never allowing us to forget our obligation to ‘repair the world’ and give a hand to those who need it. It is our obligation as women, and I am grateful for the sense of commitment we, Jewish women from all over the world, share.”
Mrs. Liz Raider, President of NA’AMAAT USA thanked both the President and the First Lady for the opportunity to meet and hear from them. She said, “Our countries may be separated by oceans, but our goals, our work, and hearts are as one, in providing continued support and expand the programs and services of NA’MAAT in Israel. Together we all strive to ensure that the promise of a brighter future for all Israeli citizens is a reality.”
Former Member of Knesset, and representative of NA’AMAT to the World Zionist Organization, Mrs. Masha Lubelsky, spoke about the scholarships, schools and daycare centers funded by NA’AMAT across Israel. She turned to the visiting participants and said, “We have a newly elected and wonderful President, who supports equality, justice tolerance, and stands up for Zionism, which is so important when we have so much anti-Semitism in so many countries. We share together with you Mr. President these very important values. We pledge today to continue our Zionist work, because we know that ‘Am Yisrael Chai’, the people of Israel live!” She concluded by inviting First Lady Nechama Rivlin to visit their projects and presented both the President and the First Lady with a framed ‘Declaration of Solidarity and Support for the State of Israel, on behalf of NA’AMAT.
During the evening, participants were treated to a musical performance by young students from the NA’AMAT supported Kanot Youth Village.
*
Preceding provided by the office of Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin