Reuven Rivlin is a prominent Israeli politician who served as the 10th President of Israel from 2014 to 2021. Born on September 9, 1939, Rivlin has a long history of public service and has been involved in various political and social initiatives throughout his career.
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Early Life and Political Career
Rivlin began his political career as a member of the Jerusalem City Council and later served in various public positions, including as a member of the board of El Al, Israel's national airline, and as chairman of the Israel Institute for Occupational Safety and Hygiene. He was first elected to the Knesset in 1988 as a member of the Likud party and served in the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. In 2001, he was appointed as Minister of Communications.
Presidency
During his tenure as President, Rivlin focused on uniting the diverse groups within Israeli society. He launched a project to bring together what he called "the four tribes" – Israeli Arabs, Haredim (ultra-Orthodox Jews), Religious Zionists, and Secular Zionists – to work for the common good while respecting each other's traditions and customs. He also recognized the importance of Diaspora Jewry, considering them a fifth tribe that plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between Israel and Jewish communities abroad.Rivlin was a strong advocate for democracy and civil rights, opposing any form of racial, gender, or LGBTQ+ discrimination. He also supported sustainability initiatives and fought against climate change, setting clear targets for Israel to achieve in this regard.
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Post-Presidency Activities
After leaving the presidency, Rivlin has continued to be involved in public discourse and has spoken out on various issues. He has expressed his opposition to the current judicial reforms proposed by the government, fearing they would impinge on democracy and civil rights. Rivlin has also been critical of the high death toll of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and has called for a more defined status for the future Palestinian state, advocating for a confederation in which the Palestinian entity lacks an army or control over migrant flows.
Recent Statements and Appearances
In recent months, Rivlin has made several notable statements and appearances. He defied Poland's stance on the Holocaust by acknowledging that Polish people were also involved in the butchering of Jews during World War II. He also spoke at the Boca Raton Synagogue in Florida, addressing the Jewish community there.
Conclusion
Reuven Rivlin's career has been marked by a strong commitment to democracy, civil rights, and the unity of Israeli society. His post-presidency activities continue to influence public discourse, and his voice remains an important one in the ongoing debates about the future of Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
