Meeting with leaders of the Jewish community in Madrid on Sunday, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin pledged Israel’s support in the fight against anti-Semitism, as he embarked on a three-day state visit to celebrated 100 years of resurgent Jewish presence in Spain, The Times of Israel reported.
“The community here today is a magnificent community, with tens of thousands of members of all ages,” Rivlin said. “Jewish life on the Iberian Peninsula, which was cut off more than 500 years ago, is now full of life, and this is a great joy. This is a great victory for history and the spirit of the Jewish people,” he added.
Rivlin further acknowledged the fear of the Jewish community in Spain amid a surge in anti-Semitic violence, that reflects a grim trend across the European continent. “According to the Spanish interior minister’s report on anti-Semitism, in recent years there has been a rise of hundreds of percent in manifestations of anti-Semitism in Spain,” he said.
Rivlin vowed that “We must not surrender to anti-Semitism, we must fight it”, adding “I am pleased that the Spanish government is taking steps in legislation and enforcement against this ugly phenomenon. We must not be ashamed of or hide our identity.”
“I know that there are concerns, and fears of terrorism against Jews, and of anti-Semitism which poses as criticism against Israel. We will fight these challenges together,” he promised.
Rivlin is in Spain to mark 30 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He took part in a special event hosted by the community at Madrid’s Ibn Gabirol School, where he unveiled a plaque to be affixed to the entrance of the school, marking 100 years since the reestablishment of the Jewish community in the country since the Expulsion of 1492.
Rivlin and First Lady Nechama Rivlin were guests of honor at a State Dinner at the Royal Palace in Madrid, hosted by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, at which the President delivered Israel’s policy on the Spanish political crisis with a clear statement against Catalonian secession on Monday night.
“Spain for us is one country,” Rivlin declared, affirming Israel’s decision to oppose secession, which came several days ago at the behest of the Spanish government. He added, “His Majesty the King is the symbol of that unity. All of the citizens of Spain are dear to us, and we hope and pray that all conflicts will be solved by peaceful measures.”
A 37-person business delegation of leading Israeli companies and trade figures are accompanying the President on his visit, as well as an academic delegation including leading figures and Nobel Prize laureates. During the visit, Spain and Israel are expected to sign numerous bilateral agreements.
[Photo: Reuven Ruvi Rivlin / Facebook ]