Israeli President Isaac Herzog and his wife, Michal, made an official visit to the Binyamin region, north of Jerusalem, on Wednesday.
“Binyamin is a wonderful and developing region. Our forefathers were here in Binyamin and put down roots in the heart of the Land of Israel,” said Herzog. “We are happy to have this opportunity to see this region, its towns and its wonderful, creative and industrious residents.”
Herzog started the visit at the council building in the Sha’ar Binyamin light industrial park, where he spoke with the leadership of Binyamin towns, including rabbis, mayors, council members and department heads.
“Binyamin is happy and proud to welcome Israel’s president and his wife,” said Binyamin Regional Council Chairman Israel Ganz. “This visit attests to the central position of Binyamin and the towns in Judea and Samaria.
“Thanks to the Jewish heritage here and the human capital in these towns, Binyamin is growing and developing. We thank the president for coming to visit and to encourage us to continue developing this precious region that is home to Jews of all types, in the heart of the Land of Israel,” Ganz added.
In the town of Ofra, Herzog met with high school students and members of the Lev Binyamin youth movement, which mentors and assists special needs youth and young adults. Herzog praised the community for integrating special needs individuals in schools and workplaces.
At the Ancient Shiloh heritage site, the president and his wife viewed the Tabernacle multimedia presentation. They planted a tree and learned about the latest artifacts found in the archeological excavations. The Herzogs had lunch in Shiloh with Ganz and some of the founding residents of the Binyamin towns.
Herzog concluded his visit at Kida, where he was greeted by the local children at the new synagogue, built in memory of Yaman National Counter Terror Unit police commando Noam Raz, who had lived there. The president recited the prayer for the welfare of the State of Israel and the Israel Defense Forces.
