President Shimon Peres meets with Israelis during an official gathering at the President's Residence sukkah. Photo: Screen shot.

Citizens from all over Israel joined President Shimon Peres at his residence’s official Sukkah on Tuesday morning. Thousands of people began lining up outside the gate in the early hours to gain entry and have the opportunity to shake hands and pose for pictures with the president, Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot reported.

“Thank you very much for coming,” Peres told the guests. “It’s a pleasure seeing these wonderful and smart children from all parts of the State of Israel. The holiday’s message is a message of peace, that a person must not fear being a guest and a person must not fear being a host. Peace is not just ending war, but beginning a life together.”

Among the many inducements at this year’s event is the world’s largest date, grown in Israel, which the Agricultural Ministry put on display in the sukkah.

Watch a video of the event below (in Hebrew):