President Herzog expresses concern over departure of Christian families from Israel during New Year’s reception

President Isaac Herzog hosted Christian leaders in the Holy Land for the traditional New Year's reception at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, where he praised the Christian communities, while also expressing concern over the departure young Christian families from the country. 

This marked the first time the annual reception has been held at full capacity since the beginning of the war.

“It is an enormous pleasure for Michal and me to welcome you this year, as in every year, to the President's residence in Jerusalem,” Herzog said in his opening remarks. 

“How beautiful it is to gather together in the Holy Land,” Herzog continued, quoting Psalm 133:1 in Hebrew. “In the Holy Land, whose hills bear witness to thousands of years of faith, prayer, and divine inspiration, and to hope together for a joyous, prosperous, and peaceful new year for us all.” 

“We meet at a fragile, yet promising moment for the Holy Land and the broader Middle East,” Herzog stated. “At this important crossroads, the choice must be made between conflicting paths, conflicting trajectories, and conflicting visions for this region.” 

Herzog addressed the ongoing demonstrations against the regime in Iran in his opening statements. 

“Our hearts go out to the Iranian people bravely marching for their freedom as we speak – and being ruthlessly repressed by a regime that is the root of so much evil in the world,” the Israeli president said. “Our hope and prayer is that all women and men can enjoy the same precious liberty we are blessed with and live in peace and harmony, free from tyranny and oppression.”

In his remarks at the event, President Herzog expressed his pride in Israel's Christian communities and emphasized that the State of Israel will continue to protect the freedom of worship for people of all faiths and communities. He spoke of meeting Pope Leo XIV in Rome last year, saying, “it is the sacred obligation of all who believe in the God Almighty, to reject hatred, to affirm the divine image in each and every person, and to build bridges across religious and political divides.” 

Herzog shared his concern that some Christian families were choosing to leave Israel. 

“I have been following with concern the data, dear friends, that suggests that many young Christian families are considering leaving the Holy Land. Some have left already,” he noted. “Their departure deeply saddens me because Israel is their home, just as it is my home. and yours.” 

Herzog called on religious and political leaders “to make every effort to make our Christian communities feel welcome and secure, to strengthen and encourage these communities, and to help us all hold on to faith that positive change is possible.” 

Herzog referred to the Abraham Accords as proof of the “potential for fraternity and friendship, peace and prosperity amongst all Abraham's children.” 

“My friends, your communities are a blessing to the State of Israel, adding richness, texture, and depth to our beautiful human tapestry,” he told the gathered religious leaders.

“We are committed to ensuring that Christian communities can continue to grow and thrive, with full freedom of religion and worship. This is not merely a policy question – it flows from the very heart of our identity as a Jewish and democratic state. I want to state clearly: We will continue to safeguard the holy sites of all religions and to forcefully combat any disgraceful attempts to threaten, harass, or harm religious leaders, institutions, or worshippers.” 

Herzog extended his concern for the Christian communities outside of Israel, in the Middle East and Africa, saying, “We also call for the protection of Christian communities across our region. No Christian, indeed no human being – in the Middle East, Africa, or anywhere in the world – should ever live in fear because of their faith.”

President Herzog also conveyed his profound appreciation for Israel's Christian friends in the Middle East and across the world. 

“I want, in conclusion, to take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation for the support, solidarity, and moral courage of our Christian friends around the world. the love in the hearts of so many Christians, the prayers on their lips and their deep courage to stand for the truth.”

The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, also spoke at the event, expressing his hope that the ceasefire in Gaza would lead to a permanent peace, “healing the wounds of the seventh of October and of the war in Gaza.” 

Theophilos spoke of the recent tensions and clashes in Judea and Samaria, saying, “The rise and increasing hostility of radical groups in the West Bank and in Jerusalem are a real challenge, and effective ways must be found to ensure the well-being of communities that must live side by side in respect and safety.” 

He also spoke of the wave of criminal violence in the Arab sector, saying, “We must not give up until we tackle an equally serious threat to all of us, which is the crime and violence that communities are experiencing in the northern communities of Israel.” 

“The Scriptures remind us that ‘blessed are the peacemakers,’ and this is the call for all people of good will, regardless of our religious affiliation,” the Greek Orthodox leader said.

“Mr. President, your commitment to peace and to the well-being of all the people of the Holy Land and Israel is well known. We assure you that the Patriarch and the heads of the churches at this special gathering also remain steadfast in our spiritual mission to be messengers of peace and reconciliation, and to cooperate with you and with all those who bless peace and reconciliation before all others, as you promote the values of our common scriptures, fighting against all forms of antisemitism and Islamophobia.”