(Communicated by the President's Spokesperson)

President Reuven Rivlin this evening (Tuesday) addressed the 36th Annual Tabernacles Festival of the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem, attended by 5,000 Christian visitors to Jerusalem from 85 countries, among them around 50 ministers and members of parliaments, from around the world, who are members of the International Israel Allies Caucus Foundation.
 
President Rivlin welcomed the visitors to Jerusalem, and stressed the importance of the Jewish people's return to Zion, both in ancient and modern times, as an inspiration to all peoples, "What an inspiration," he said, "was the return from exile in Babylon for the Jewish pioneers of the 19th century - and indeed for the 17th century pioneers fleeing European persecution, seeking freedom in the New World, and eventually founding 'One nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.'"
 
The President told the attendees of his own family's arrival in Jerusalem, over 200 years ago. He thanked the visitors for their support, and for coming from around the world, and said, "Thank you for standing with us."