Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday wished Israel’s Muslim citizens and Muslims around the world a “Ramadan kareem,” or “generous Ramadan,” in honor of the Islamic holy month.

The prime minister expressed his pride that an increasing number of his country’s more than one million Muslim citizens “are integrating into Israeli society.” He noted that Muslims play critical roles in Israel, serving as “judges, lawmakers, professors, prominent doctors, business people, much more.”

Netanyahu also took the opportunity to showcase the Knesset’s Muslim prayer room, which is used by lawmakers and employees.

While Israel is a Jewish state, it is also “home to Muslims, Christians, Bahais — and so many others,” he said. And because it is a free country, “all citizens enjoys full individual rights, regardless of race, creed or gender.” Netanyahu observed that living together in a mixed society allows individuals from all sectors to “learn from one another … with mutual respect and with mutual understanding.”

After expressing his desire for Israel’s regional neighbors to offer similar liberties, Netanyahu concluded by wishing a “Ramadan kareem to Israel’s Muslim citizens and to Muslims around the world.”

[Photo: IsraeliPM / YouTube ]