Tuesday, November 15, 2022
It is a great honor to introduce the President of the State of Israel, Isaac “Bougie” Herzog, a great friend and supporter of the College-Institute and our work in Israel.
The eleventh president in Israel’s history, Herzog is the son of Israel’s sixth President, Chaim Herzog, and the grandson of Israel’s first Chief Rabbi, Yizhak Isaac Halevi Herzog.
Born in Tel Aviv and trained as a lawyer, Herzog was first elected to the Knesset in 2003 and was elected Chairman of the Israeli Labor Party in 2013. In June 2018, he became Chairman of the Executive of the Jewish Agency for Israel. And in 2021, Isaac Herzog was elected by an overwhelming majority in the Knesset to be the eleventh President of the State of Israel.
As President, Herzog is the non-partisan Head of State representing Israel at home and abroad. He is responsible for strengthening all of Israel, nurturing its Jewish, democratic, and moral values, improving ties between its Jewish majority and minority populations, and promoting Israeli art and culture. He is a symbol of national unity.
A staunch advocate of strengthening the ties between Israel, North American Jewry, and the entire Jewish People, many regard him not only as the President of Israel but as the President of the Jewish people. We are honored to call him a partner and friend of our College-Institute.
Unfortunately, the President is unable to be with us in person. Late last week, he called Dean Kelman and me personally to apologize, explaining that he would be called on from the new government of Israel today. (On the one hand speak at the opening, on the other, form a government…tough choice… I guess some people will do anything to avoid public speaking.)
And now, a message from our dear partner and friend, President Isaac, “Bougie” Herzog.