President Isaac Herzog visited the Neve Shmuel Yeshiva in Efrat this morning, Tuesday. He was received by the president and head of the Ohr Torah Stone network, Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Brander, and the head of the yeshiva, Rabbi Avishai Milner.
During a conversation with the yeshiva students, President Herzog said: “Let us not forget for a moment that a bitter and cruel enemy abducted the hostages from their homes. This enemy doesn't necessarily listen to what you and I are saying. They are waging a fierce war against us, and we, of course, must act with all our strength, both to bring the hostages back and to restore calm and security.”
He added, “We need to understand that if we know there are people alive, our brothers’ blood cries out to us from the ground. Whoever saves one life, it is as if they saved an entire world. There is no greater mitzvah than the redeeming captives. At the same time, we also understand that the entire discussion revolves around the costs and what can be done, and we must do everything possible on our side, in the circumstances, to conduct serious and responsible negotiations, as much as we can, to bring about a hostage deal and bring them home as soon as possible.”
The President concluded, “We are in a very challenging period as a nation, and I, as the President of the State of Israel, as once who is charged with bringing the entire people together, find myself in an almost unprecedented period. A time of much pain, much grief, much worry, much anxiety. But on the other hand, also a time when we see the hidden, wonderful lights of our people, the strength, the inner resilience, the supreme heroism. This gives a lot of strength and comfort, and I am convinced, I am sure, that we will get through this period as a people. It is another stage in the development of our nation in the Land of Israel and in the entire region. Know and believe that together, truly together, we will overcome."