Israeli President Reuven Rivlin. Photo: Twitter

JNS.org – Israeli President Reuven Rivlin on Monday hosted domestic Muslim leaders and foreign diplomats from Muslim countries at his residence in Jerusalem for a traditional Iftar meal marking the end of a day of the month-long Ramadan fast.

“It is an honor to host you today, at your house, the president’s house,” Rivlin said in fluent Arabic as he welcomed the guests.

“Ramadan is the holiest month for Muslims around the world…a symbol of the same base values of…family and community, charity and care for the weak, spiritual reflection and soul-searching,” he added.

Ambassadors to Israel from Egypt, Jordan, Turkey and Kazakhstan attended the meal, along with regional authority heads from Israeli-Muslim communities, religious and lay leaders, and representatives of Israel’s security services.

Rivlin discussed challenges faced by Israel’s Muslim community and how the Israeli governments addresses those issues.

“The partnership between us, Jews and Arabs, children of this land, is a reality stronger than any evil wind which may wish to uproot it,” Rivlin said. “There have and there will be difficult periods, but we will persevere. This is our duty, this is the mission of our generation.”