In Nazareth, President Herzog emphasized the common ground between religions in Israel. He was also shown a special Christmas tree.
Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog visited the city of Nazareth in Galilee on Tuesday evening. He met with church leaders at the Basilica of the Annunciation and posed for a photograph with them in front of the church's Christmas tree, which, according to a statement from the presidential office, is the largest in the Middle East.
Duke expressed his wish that all faiths might flourish. They should feel safe and as part of the State of Israel: Muslims, Christians, Jews, Druze, and Circassians. "All religious communities and faiths are an inseparable part of the State of Israel." He added that the state is determined to grant them all freedom of religion.
Herzog continued: “Just before Christmas and New Year, we bring good news from the Basilica of the Annunciation, from the Holy Land, to the whole world! Messages of peace, brotherhood, coexistence. Messages of a war against hatred and racism. I thank you all and wish you happy holidays.”
“Everyone prays to the same God”
Speaking in Arabic, the president added, referring to the aforementioned religious groups: “Let us always remember that we all pray to the same God and that we all desire a life of peace and partnership based on understanding and brotherhood.” Only through deep faith in the Creator and in humanity will it be possible “to create for all of humanity the good and promising future we deserve.”.
The mayor of Nazareth, Ali Salam, praised Herzog's commitment to the Israeli Arabs: "We have known each other for many years. I am sure that the president will continue to support the entire Arab sector as he has done so far."
The basilica commemorates Luke 1:26–38. There, the Bible describes how the angel Gabriel announced the birth of her son Jesus to the Virgin Mary.
