(Communicated by the President's Spokesperson)
Sunday, 21 December 2025 / 1 Tevev 5786
President Herzog Addresses Memorial Ceremony for Sydney Terror Attack Victims
President Herzog: “I hope to be able to visit you all soon in Australia. The rise in Jew hatred across the world is a global emergency.”
On Sunday, December 21, 2025, President Isaac Herzog delivered remarks at a ceremony to mark one week since the deadly terror attack in Sydney, Australia. The ceremony, which was held at the National Institutions Building in Jerusalem, was also attended by the Chairman of the World Zionist Organization, Mr. Yaakov Hagoel, officials of the Australian Embassy in Israel, and members of the bereaved families.
Remarks by President Isaac Herzog:
“Beloved sisters and brothers in Australia, shalom to all of you from Jerusalem, our eternal capital.
We know that each year, the Australian Jewish community is among the first in the world to welcome Chanukah. It is among the first to light candles and celebrate the miracles of the Jewish people.
Tragically this year, instead of lighting the first candle, our sisters and brothers ran for cover. Instead of singing “Maoz Tzur”, our families searched for shelter. Instead of “Shehecheyanu”, there was Kaddish.
Tonight, on the 8th and final candle of Chanukah, I want to say to the Jews of Australia: the people of Israel are with you. Despite thousands of miles between us, we feel your pain, we see your courage under fire, we share your sense of abandonment, shock, and horror.
Here in Jerusalem, we heard your hearts break, and felt our own hearts steeped with grief. We send our sincerest condolences to all those grieving their loved ones, and our warmest wishes for the speedy recovery of all those wounded.
Friends, I have witnessed the resilience and depth of Australian Jewry. I hope to be able to visit you all soon in Australia and bring you a message of love from the State of Israel, to hug you and console you on behalf of the nation and people of Israel. I know I will encounter great strength, warmth, and love of Israel from all of you.
The rise in Jew-hatred across the world is a global emergency. The battle against antisemitism, must be everyone’s battle against antisemitism. This is an urgent call to action to prevent the next catastrophe. We will not stand for this.
In each nation, combatting antisemitism requires very strong and tough measures, and strong leadership. It requires ordinary people rejecting lies and bias, embracing diversity, humanity, and truth.
The Australian heroes who intervened and came to the rescue at Bondi, who came to pay their respects, will forever be remembered for their kindness.
We will not allow the hatred to break us. We will not allow terror to diminish our light, our unity, our peoplehood, our mutual responsibility, our eternity.
Together we will defeat this darkness. By lighting, now, 15 memorial candles to memorialize those we lost. By lighting one more Chanukah candle, tonight, all over the world. By calling out, loud and clear: long live the Jewish people eternally, Am Yisrael Chai.”
Video of President Herzog’s Remarks at the Memorial Ceremony for the Sydney Terror Attack Victims
Link: https://mab.to/t/dTH7QnPtzXD/eu1
Video credit: Avi Kaner (GPO)
Sound credit: Gideon Arnold (GPO)
Benjamin Lee, benjaminl@president.gov.il, 050-6169572
Sunday, 21 December 2025 / 1 Tevev 5786
President Herzog Addresses Memorial Ceremony for Sydney Terror Attack Victims
President Herzog: “I hope to be able to visit you all soon in Australia. The rise in Jew hatred across the world is a global emergency.”
On Sunday, December 21, 2025, President Isaac Herzog delivered remarks at a ceremony to mark one week since the deadly terror attack in Sydney, Australia. The ceremony, which was held at the National Institutions Building in Jerusalem, was also attended by the Chairman of the World Zionist Organization, Mr. Yaakov Hagoel, officials of the Australian Embassy in Israel, and members of the bereaved families.
Remarks by President Isaac Herzog:
“Beloved sisters and brothers in Australia, shalom to all of you from Jerusalem, our eternal capital.
We know that each year, the Australian Jewish community is among the first in the world to welcome Chanukah. It is among the first to light candles and celebrate the miracles of the Jewish people.
Tragically this year, instead of lighting the first candle, our sisters and brothers ran for cover. Instead of singing “Maoz Tzur”, our families searched for shelter. Instead of “Shehecheyanu”, there was Kaddish.
Tonight, on the 8th and final candle of Chanukah, I want to say to the Jews of Australia: the people of Israel are with you. Despite thousands of miles between us, we feel your pain, we see your courage under fire, we share your sense of abandonment, shock, and horror.
Here in Jerusalem, we heard your hearts break, and felt our own hearts steeped with grief. We send our sincerest condolences to all those grieving their loved ones, and our warmest wishes for the speedy recovery of all those wounded.
Friends, I have witnessed the resilience and depth of Australian Jewry. I hope to be able to visit you all soon in Australia and bring you a message of love from the State of Israel, to hug you and console you on behalf of the nation and people of Israel. I know I will encounter great strength, warmth, and love of Israel from all of you.
The rise in Jew-hatred across the world is a global emergency. The battle against antisemitism, must be everyone’s battle against antisemitism. This is an urgent call to action to prevent the next catastrophe. We will not stand for this.
In each nation, combatting antisemitism requires very strong and tough measures, and strong leadership. It requires ordinary people rejecting lies and bias, embracing diversity, humanity, and truth.
The Australian heroes who intervened and came to the rescue at Bondi, who came to pay their respects, will forever be remembered for their kindness.
We will not allow the hatred to break us. We will not allow terror to diminish our light, our unity, our peoplehood, our mutual responsibility, our eternity.
Together we will defeat this darkness. By lighting, now, 15 memorial candles to memorialize those we lost. By lighting one more Chanukah candle, tonight, all over the world. By calling out, loud and clear: long live the Jewish people eternally, Am Yisrael Chai.”
Video of President Herzog’s Remarks at the Memorial Ceremony for the Sydney Terror Attack Victims
Link: https://mab.to/t/dTH7QnPtzXD/eu1
Video credit: Avi Kaner (GPO)
Sound credit: Gideon Arnold (GPO)
Benjamin Lee, benjaminl@president.gov.il, 050-6169572
❤1
(Communicated by the President's Spokesperson)
Sunday, 21 December 2025 / 1 Tevev 5786
President Herzog Calls Rabbi Yehoram Ulman and Tirosh Levi Following Sydney Terror Attack
President Isaac Herzog spoke with Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, whose son-in-law, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, was murdered in the Sydney terror attack. President Herzog also called Tirosh Levi, the sister of Israeli citizen Gefen Bitton, who was seriously injured while heroically attempting to disarm the terrorists.
During his call with Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, the director of Chabad of Bondi and head of the Rabbinical Court in Sydney, President Herzog expressed his deepest condolences following the murder of his son-in-law, Rabbi Eli Schlanger. He wished a speedy recovery to Rabbi Eli Schlanger’s wife, Chaya, who was shot in the back and hospitalized along with their six-week-old baby, the youngest of their five children. President Herzog conveyed to Rabbi Ulman a message of strength and solidarity to the entire Jewish community of Sydney.
President Herzog also spoke with Tirosh Levi, the sister of Israeli citizen Gefen Bitton, who acted heroically by attempting to disarm the terrorists during the attack. Shot three times by the terrorists, Gefen remains hospitalized in serious condition. President Herzog praised his exceptional courage under fire and sent his wishes to Gefen for a swift recovery.
On behalf of the State of Israel, President Herzog extends his condolences to the families of all the victims, and conveys his wishes for a speedy recovery for all those injured during the terror attack.
Benjamin Lee, benjaminl@president.gov.il, 050-6169572
Sunday, 21 December 2025 / 1 Tevev 5786
President Herzog Calls Rabbi Yehoram Ulman and Tirosh Levi Following Sydney Terror Attack
President Isaac Herzog spoke with Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, whose son-in-law, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, was murdered in the Sydney terror attack. President Herzog also called Tirosh Levi, the sister of Israeli citizen Gefen Bitton, who was seriously injured while heroically attempting to disarm the terrorists.
During his call with Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, the director of Chabad of Bondi and head of the Rabbinical Court in Sydney, President Herzog expressed his deepest condolences following the murder of his son-in-law, Rabbi Eli Schlanger. He wished a speedy recovery to Rabbi Eli Schlanger’s wife, Chaya, who was shot in the back and hospitalized along with their six-week-old baby, the youngest of their five children. President Herzog conveyed to Rabbi Ulman a message of strength and solidarity to the entire Jewish community of Sydney.
President Herzog also spoke with Tirosh Levi, the sister of Israeli citizen Gefen Bitton, who acted heroically by attempting to disarm the terrorists during the attack. Shot three times by the terrorists, Gefen remains hospitalized in serious condition. President Herzog praised his exceptional courage under fire and sent his wishes to Gefen for a swift recovery.
On behalf of the State of Israel, President Herzog extends his condolences to the families of all the victims, and conveys his wishes for a speedy recovery for all those injured during the terror attack.
Benjamin Lee, benjaminl@president.gov.il, 050-6169572
Prime Minister Netanyahu's schedule for tomorrow (Monday, 22 December 2025):
Israel – Cyprus – Greece trilateral meeting at the David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem
14:30 – The Prime Minister will meet with the Prime Minister of Greece.
15:00 – Bilateral meeting, Israel and Greece.
16:30 – The Prime Minister will meet with the President of Cyprus.
17:00 – Bilateral meeting, Israel and Cyprus.
17:45 – Trilateral meeting, Israel – Cyprus – Greece
All meetings will be photographed by official photographers
18:45 – Joint statements to the press.
Coverage by a press pool arranged in advance via the news desks.
Photographs by a stills pool arranged in advance:
Israeli media – Haaretz.
Foreign media – EPA.
Registered journalists are to arrive by 16:30.
Entry for registered journalists upon the presentation of a valid GPO card + passport / Israeli ID.
The Prime Minister's Media Department
Israel – Cyprus – Greece trilateral meeting at the David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem
14:30 – The Prime Minister will meet with the Prime Minister of Greece.
15:00 – Bilateral meeting, Israel and Greece.
16:30 – The Prime Minister will meet with the President of Cyprus.
17:00 – Bilateral meeting, Israel and Cyprus.
17:45 – Trilateral meeting, Israel – Cyprus – Greece
All meetings will be photographed by official photographers
18:45 – Joint statements to the press.
Coverage by a press pool arranged in advance via the news desks.
Photographs by a stills pool arranged in advance:
Israeli media – Haaretz.
Foreign media – EPA.
Registered journalists are to arrive by 16:30.
Entry for registered journalists upon the presentation of a valid GPO card + passport / Israeli ID.
The Prime Minister's Media Department
Prime Minister Netanyahu lights the eighth candle of Hanukkah with Chabad emissaries
Prime Minister Netanyahu at the lighting of the eighth candle of Hanukkah with Chabad emissaries: "The Chabad community and the entire people of Israel have endured a great tragedy in Sydney, but we have not lost our spirit, nor will we lose it – we will continue being victorious"
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lit today (Sunday) the eighth candle of Hanukkah with Chabad emissaries at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem.
Prime Minister Netanyahu [translated from Hebrew]:
"The Chabad community and the entire people of Israel have endured a great tragedy in Sydney, where despicable murderers have murdered [the victims] for being Jews, and solely because they were Jews. But we have not lost our spirit, nor will we lose it. I saw it with the emissaries, and also with all the Chabad Houses that were hit in the past.
It didn't make us lose our spirit, on the contrary: I saw the empowerment and springing into action in order to bring the people of Israel closer together everywhere on Earth. I didn't check if there are any in Antarctica, but I know they are working on that.
I say, however, from the bottom of our hearts, that we also share in the grief, but also see the greatness and are more determined than ever to ensure the eternity of Israel. We are doing it here, Chabad emissaries are doing it around the world, and we will be victorious. We are victorious, and we will continue being victorious".
Attached photos credit: Amos Ben Gershom (GPO)
Prime Minister Netanyahu at the lighting of the eighth candle of Hanukkah with Chabad emissaries: "The Chabad community and the entire people of Israel have endured a great tragedy in Sydney, but we have not lost our spirit, nor will we lose it – we will continue being victorious"
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lit today (Sunday) the eighth candle of Hanukkah with Chabad emissaries at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem.
Prime Minister Netanyahu [translated from Hebrew]:
"The Chabad community and the entire people of Israel have endured a great tragedy in Sydney, where despicable murderers have murdered [the victims] for being Jews, and solely because they were Jews. But we have not lost our spirit, nor will we lose it. I saw it with the emissaries, and also with all the Chabad Houses that were hit in the past.
It didn't make us lose our spirit, on the contrary: I saw the empowerment and springing into action in order to bring the people of Israel closer together everywhere on Earth. I didn't check if there are any in Antarctica, but I know they are working on that.
I say, however, from the bottom of our hearts, that we also share in the grief, but also see the greatness and are more determined than ever to ensure the eternity of Israel. We are doing it here, Chabad emissaries are doing it around the world, and we will be victorious. We are victorious, and we will continue being victorious".
Attached photos credit: Amos Ben Gershom (GPO)
Dear all,
The *National Public Diplomacy Directorate* would like to invite you to an on the record briefing regarding current developments with Shosh Bedrosian, Communications Specialist. *TODAY 15.30, MONDAY 22nd DECEMBER 2025, ISRAEL TIME.*
These issues and others will be addressed:
* Violations of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release framework;
* Diplomatic visits;
* Regional developments.
The briefing will be held via zoom in ENGLISH, today MONDAY 22nd DECEMBER at 15.30 Israel time.
Zoom link:
https://contactgbs.zoom.us/j/83003602034?pwd=V29rTEpweUhUWHpDSTYraGZ6VFJ4Zz09
Please make sure you display your name and media outlet.
Kind regards,
National Public Diplomacy Directorate
The *National Public Diplomacy Directorate* would like to invite you to an on the record briefing regarding current developments with Shosh Bedrosian, Communications Specialist. *TODAY 15.30, MONDAY 22nd DECEMBER 2025, ISRAEL TIME.*
These issues and others will be addressed:
* Violations of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release framework;
* Diplomatic visits;
* Regional developments.
The briefing will be held via zoom in ENGLISH, today MONDAY 22nd DECEMBER at 15.30 Israel time.
Zoom link:
https://contactgbs.zoom.us/j/83003602034?pwd=V29rTEpweUhUWHpDSTYraGZ6VFJ4Zz09
Please make sure you display your name and media outlet.
Kind regards,
National Public Diplomacy Directorate
Zoom
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Civil Administration: Invitation for Coverage
On Wednesday, December 24, at 11:30, a special welcoming ceremony will take place at the plaza of the Mar Elias Monastery in eastern Jerusalem, in honor of the arrival of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, on the occasion of his visit for the Christmas celebrations in the city of Bethlehem.
Participants in the welcoming ceremony will include the Head of the Civil Administration, Brig. Gen. Hisham Ibrahim, the Head of the Bethlehem District Coordination and Liaison Office, Lt. Col. Hussam Muadi, and senior representatives from the IDF, the police, and the defense establishment.
RSVP: Haim Yaakov, 050-9551281
Event location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qJqC8tqQPEMovd3n9?g_st=iw
On Wednesday, December 24, at 11:30, a special welcoming ceremony will take place at the plaza of the Mar Elias Monastery in eastern Jerusalem, in honor of the arrival of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, on the occasion of his visit for the Christmas celebrations in the city of Bethlehem.
Participants in the welcoming ceremony will include the Head of the Civil Administration, Brig. Gen. Hisham Ibrahim, the Head of the Bethlehem District Coordination and Liaison Office, Lt. Col. Hussam Muadi, and senior representatives from the IDF, the police, and the defense establishment.
RSVP: Haim Yaakov, 050-9551281
Event location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qJqC8tqQPEMovd3n9?g_st=iw
31°44'05.8"N 35°12'37.1"E
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Meets with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Jerusalem
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Monday, 22 December 2025), in Jerusalem, met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The meeting took place as part of the Israel-Greece-Cyprus trilateral diplomatic summit, hosted by Prime Minister Netanyahu at the David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem.
The Prime Minister and the Greek Prime Minister first held a private meeting, followed by an expanded meeting attended by the countries' foreign ministers and additional senior officials.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAohsKlNJ1I
Video credit Roi Avraham (GPO) / Sound credit: Ben Peretz (GPO)
Attached photo credits: Ma'ayan Toaf (GPO)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Monday, 22 December 2025), in Jerusalem, met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The meeting took place as part of the Israel-Greece-Cyprus trilateral diplomatic summit, hosted by Prime Minister Netanyahu at the David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem.
The Prime Minister and the Greek Prime Minister first held a private meeting, followed by an expanded meeting attended by the countries' foreign ministers and additional senior officials.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAohsKlNJ1I
Video credit Roi Avraham (GPO) / Sound credit: Ben Peretz (GPO)
Attached photo credits: Ma'ayan Toaf (GPO)
(Communicated by the President's Spokesperson)
Monday, 22 December 2025 / 2 Tevet 5786
President Isaac Herzog Meets President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus
President Herzog: “As we face the challenges in our region, the place of Cyprus is essential.”
On Monday, December 22, 2025, President Isaac Herzog met with President Nikos Christodoulides of the Republic of Cyprus at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem. During their meeting, President Herzog and President Christodoulides discussed opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation and advance regional initiatives aimed at promoting stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
President Isaac Herzog:
“Welcome to the trilateral of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel. We're very happy always to see you here. You know our relations with Cyprus have been upgraded dramatically in recent years. There's huge potential of doing business together and actually developing together with Greece and other countries, the Eastern basin of the Mediterranean.
“As we can look forward to the day after in Gaza, and also to the strategic changes in Syria and Lebanon, I think that the place of Cyprus is essential. It's a key element in the region of functionality and development. It can also be a bridge for peace with our Palestinian neighbors and other countries in the region, as you stretch your connectivity all the way to India and the UAE. So I think there's so much to discuss here, and I welcome you to Israel wholeheartedly.
“I will end by raising again, the plight of Staff Sergeant Ran Gvili. He's the last hostage who has not been returned to Israel. We call upon the family of nations and all those who are involved in the operation in Gaza to apply pressure and use any tools possible to bring him back home.
“I want to take this opportunity to wish the people of Cyprus and all our sisters and brothers of the Christian communities in the Middle East and, of course, in the Holy Land, Merry Christmas and a Happy 2026.”
President Nikos Christodoulides:
“Thank you, I'm very glad and pleased to be in Israel this time for a bilateral visit, but also, as you mentioned, the tenth trilateral summit between Cyprus, Greece and Israel. I'm looking forward to the discussions and more importantly, to the decisions that we're going to have to take in order to enhance even more our strategic relations. Issues like defense and security, energy, economy and trade, innovation are high on our agenda. And of course, tourism — you mentioned the Israelis coming to Cyprus, and I was very glad to find out during the summer time we have 186 weekly flights. This is a clear indication also of the people-to-people contacts.
“At the same time, I'm here a few days before we assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. One of our main priorities is to bring the European Union much closer to the region.
“With regard to the issue of the hostages, our position was clear from the very beginning and also as you noted, for the last remaining hostage to return back.
“We also publicly invite you to Cyprus and continue our discussion.”
Attached photo credits: Haim Zach (GPO)
Benjamin Lee, benjaminl@president.gov.il, 050-6169572
Monday, 22 December 2025 / 2 Tevet 5786
President Isaac Herzog Meets President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus
President Herzog: “As we face the challenges in our region, the place of Cyprus is essential.”
On Monday, December 22, 2025, President Isaac Herzog met with President Nikos Christodoulides of the Republic of Cyprus at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem. During their meeting, President Herzog and President Christodoulides discussed opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation and advance regional initiatives aimed at promoting stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
President Isaac Herzog:
“Welcome to the trilateral of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel. We're very happy always to see you here. You know our relations with Cyprus have been upgraded dramatically in recent years. There's huge potential of doing business together and actually developing together with Greece and other countries, the Eastern basin of the Mediterranean.
“As we can look forward to the day after in Gaza, and also to the strategic changes in Syria and Lebanon, I think that the place of Cyprus is essential. It's a key element in the region of functionality and development. It can also be a bridge for peace with our Palestinian neighbors and other countries in the region, as you stretch your connectivity all the way to India and the UAE. So I think there's so much to discuss here, and I welcome you to Israel wholeheartedly.
“I will end by raising again, the plight of Staff Sergeant Ran Gvili. He's the last hostage who has not been returned to Israel. We call upon the family of nations and all those who are involved in the operation in Gaza to apply pressure and use any tools possible to bring him back home.
“I want to take this opportunity to wish the people of Cyprus and all our sisters and brothers of the Christian communities in the Middle East and, of course, in the Holy Land, Merry Christmas and a Happy 2026.”
President Nikos Christodoulides:
“Thank you, I'm very glad and pleased to be in Israel this time for a bilateral visit, but also, as you mentioned, the tenth trilateral summit between Cyprus, Greece and Israel. I'm looking forward to the discussions and more importantly, to the decisions that we're going to have to take in order to enhance even more our strategic relations. Issues like defense and security, energy, economy and trade, innovation are high on our agenda. And of course, tourism — you mentioned the Israelis coming to Cyprus, and I was very glad to find out during the summer time we have 186 weekly flights. This is a clear indication also of the people-to-people contacts.
“At the same time, I'm here a few days before we assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. One of our main priorities is to bring the European Union much closer to the region.
“With regard to the issue of the hostages, our position was clear from the very beginning and also as you noted, for the last remaining hostage to return back.
“We also publicly invite you to Cyprus and continue our discussion.”
Attached photo credits: Haim Zach (GPO)
Benjamin Lee, benjaminl@president.gov.il, 050-6169572
Link for Live Broadcast of the Statements by the Prime Minister, the Greek Prime Minister and the Cypriot President
https://www.youtube.com/live/rC0HO2OyaGE
https://www.youtube.com/live/rC0HO2OyaGE
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Meets with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in Jerusalem
As part of the Israel-Greece-Cyprus diplomatic summit being held at the David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, held a warm private meeting a short while ago. This was followed by an expanded meeting including the Foreign and Energy Ministers of both countries and additional senior officials.
A trilateral meeting is currently taking place between the leaders of the three nations (Israel, Greece, and Cyprus) and their respective teams, after which the leaders will issue statements to the media.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERBiQ1rxRPg
Video credit Roi Avraham (GPO) / Sound credit: Ben Peretz (GPO)
Attached photo credits: Ma'ayan Toaf (GPO)
As part of the Israel-Greece-Cyprus diplomatic summit being held at the David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, held a warm private meeting a short while ago. This was followed by an expanded meeting including the Foreign and Energy Ministers of both countries and additional senior officials.
A trilateral meeting is currently taking place between the leaders of the three nations (Israel, Greece, and Cyprus) and their respective teams, after which the leaders will issue statements to the media.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERBiQ1rxRPg
Video credit Roi Avraham (GPO) / Sound credit: Ben Peretz (GPO)
Attached photo credits: Ma'ayan Toaf (GPO)