President Isaac Herzog emphasized that the safeguarding of Jerusalem requires a combination of strength and moral leadership during a state ceremony on Thursday. Speaking at Ammunition Hill in Jerusalem on May 14, 2026, the president marked the 59th anniversary of the city’s liberation and unification.
Herzog stated that Israel must protect the city not only through power but also through “morality,” “responsibility,” and “respect for the faith of the other.” He framed the city as both a national mission and a living entity whose value extends beyond historical memory.
Beyond Symbolism: A Living City
During his remarks, the president challenged the notion that Jerusalem should be viewed solely as a symbol. “Anyone who sees in it only a symbol misses Jerusalem,” Herzog said, describing the city as “wondrous because it is alive.”
He highlighted the coexistence of history and daily existence, noting that children play in the shadow of ancient stones. According to Herzog, this duality is the city’s “great secret,” demanding that Israelis preserve both memory and daily life simultaneously.
“It demands that we carry both together. To remember the fallen, and to build homes; to safeguard the holy places, and to develop every sphere of life,” Herzog said.
Defining the Future of Jerusalem
Herzog asserted that Israel has already demonstrated its commitment to not relinquish Jerusalem. He suggested that the current focus should shift toward shaping the city’s future through spiritual and ethical means.
The president argued that the city must be safeguarded in “spirit, in morality, in responsibility, in love of fellow human beings and respect for the faith of the other.”
Investing in the Next Generation
A key component of this future vision involves the city’s youth. Herzog called for ensuring that young residents from “every neighborhood and every community” feel integrated into Jerusalem’s future.
He stressed the importance of these young residents learning “to respect” one another as a means of maintaining the city’s unification. Such efforts could potentially foster greater internal stability as the city enters its sixth decade of reunification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did President Herzog deliver these remarks?
The remarks were delivered at Ammunition Hill in Jerusalem during the official ceremony commemorating the anniversary of the city’s reunification.
What is the significance of the 59th anniversary mentioned?
The ceremony marked 59 years since the liberation and unification of Jerusalem, placing the city on the threshold of its sixtieth year of reunification.
How does President Herzog believe Jerusalem should be safeguarded?
He stated that while the city has been safeguarded with strength, it must also be protected through spirit, morality, responsibility, love of fellow human beings, and respect for the faith and way of life of others.
How can a city balance the preservation of ancient historical memory with the needs of a modern, living population?
