The holiday season is upon us. Millions of people are coming together with family and loved ones to celebrate historic acts of faith, heroism and honor. People are joining to honor traditions that have lasted generations. This season, like every season, we remember the history of our people while also focusing on the meaningful relationships we have built in our lives today.

The holiday season in Israel is always one of joy for me and my family. For me, part of what makes this time of year so special, is the sight of men, women and children of various cultures and religious beliefs celebrating their own holiday side by side in peace. This weekend the “Holiday of Hoildays” festival is taking place in my hometown of Haifa. This lively and cheerful celebration of Hannukah, Christmas and Eid-Al-Adha brings together thousands of Jews, Christians and Muslims throughout Israel.

Further south, our capital Jerusalem is preparing for upcoming Christmas festivities by adorning the streets with colorful Christmas lights to the city's Christian and Armenian Quarters and other Christian holy sites. The Municipality will offer free Christmas trees to its Christian residents celebrating the holiday. Mayor Nir Barkat will visit the heads of the Christian communities including the Greek Orthodox Patriarch, the Latin Patriarch, the Armenian Patriarch and the Franciscan Custos, to wish them a Merry Christmas.

I was raised with this spirit of supporting one another. I still cherish these values today. Although Israel is the Jewish State, it's tolerance of other faiths make it a rich and wonderful place to live.

This week, as we settle down with our families to light the menorah candles in commemoration of the rededication of the Holy Temple at the time of the Maccabean Revolt, I ask you to invite your friends of other faiths to join in your celebration. In turn, I encourage you to learn more about the religion of your friends who practice other faiths. As citizens of the world, we must support those who seek to live in peace no matter their religion. This is the true spirit of the holiday season.