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Madam Speaker, Dalia Itzik,
Mr. President-Elect of the State of Israel, Mr. Shimon Peres,
Acting Speaker,
Ministers of the Government of Israel,
Members of Knesset,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
There is no doubt that the Knesset of Israel today elected its most senior member to serve as the ninth President of the State of Israel. This is a moment of joy; this is a moment of hope; this is an event which symbolizes a turning point. It could be said without exaggerating at all that the people of Israel wished for the election of Shimon Peres as President of the State of Israel; the people of Israel wanted to express their profound appreciation for the unique and unparalleled course of life of a man who was always to be found in the corridors of this building, fighting and working to shape the fate of the State of Israel.
Shimon Peres has always been in these places – brave, determined, honest, fighting for his beliefs – sometimes bearing the pain of occasional failure. However, he was always dedicated and loyal in order to continue on the mission he took upon himself when he was a young activist in the Working and Learning Youth – since then and until today.
I think that the Israeli Knesset today earned a rare and unusual moment of sublimity, and have no doubt that this ability crossed political camps, party lines, disagreements and divisions. This is a moment which will be remembered as a turning point in the conduct of public life, in the manner in which we argue, disagree with one another. However, in the moment of being tested, we know how to bypass all the minor obstacles, and join together in a way which has respect –respect first and foremost towards those who sent us here, the citizens of the State of Israel, respect towards the status of the State of Israel and respect for ourselves.
I am certain that I am only expressing the feeling of the public who is here with us, and of the entire people of Israel when I say that the people of Israel are happy today and proud that we could transcend all expectations – this was a moment which will be remembered as one of honor for the State of Israel and for the Knesset.
Shimon, may you continue at the same pace, with the same energy, with the same unflagging excitement, with the same youthful enthusiasm which never left you, so that you can do what you believe in, and I am certain that the entire people of Israel will continue to be proud of you.
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