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Netanyahu offers New Year wishes to Commonwealth of Independent States

“You have a massive contribution to Israel’s security, in academia, in industry, in high-tech and everywhere, including in my own office,” said the Israeli prime minister.

Trump Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump participate in a bilateral press conference at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Fla., Dec. 29, 2025. Credit: Daniel Torok/White House.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s greeting for 2026, translated from Hebrew, to the Commonwealth of Independent States, an intergovernmental organization of several former Soviet republics:

“I want to wish all those from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) a Happy New Year! Snovym Godom!

“We have now passed two years of the War of Redemption. We have achieved tremendous accomplishments. We operated on seven fronts and prevailed over all our enemies. We did this thanks to the immense heroism of our fighters, among whom are many immigrants from the CIS countries.

“We did this through the united stand of the people—yours and that of all our citizens. We also did it thanks to the brave decisions we made at the political level. We have proven that Israel is a power; it is strong. I wish for you that we continue in this spirit in the coming year and the years to follow.

“You have a massive contribution to Israel’s security, in academia, in industry, in high-tech and everywhere, including in my own office. I have now appointed Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman to be the next director of the Mossad. I believe this expresses the excellence inherent in you.

“I wish for you that you continue to rise higher and higher for our country. Happy New Year! Snovym Godom!”

The New York City mayor compared himself to the South African icon in a keynote address for a Nelson Mandela Foundation event.
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“Jewish identity is such an important anchor for us and our future, and we have to give that anchor to people,” Simon Amiel told JNS.
The CEO of the broker-dealer told JNS that he wants to see people “double down on our investment in Israel” and “show them that the Jewish community here in New York City increases their support for Israel in light of the anti-Zionist, anti-Israel positions.”
Bogotá’s incoming government has also pledged to restore full ties with Jerusalem.