President’s Sukka open house to celebrate Diaspora

President Reuven Rivlin and first lady Nechama Rivlin will host the traditional President’s Open Sukka on Monday, celebrating two important elements: the state’s upcoming 70th anniversary and the diversity of Jews in the Diaspora.The joint event organized by the President’s Office and the Diaspora Affairs Ministry will be a tribute to important figures from the Diaspora, their cultures and accomplishments, so guests from all over the country can feel a connection to Jews from around the world.Titled “Celebrating 70 years in the President’s Sukka with our brothers and sisters of the Diaspora,” the daylong event, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will include art exhibitions from Jewish communities worldwide, musical performances and an artistic display dedicated to “heroes from Jewish history.”Visitors “will be able to create family trees, discover ‘lost’ relatives and expand their familiarity with their heritage, and enjoy performances by actors depicting the stories of Jews from around the world. Upon leaving, guests will receive a personal souvenir to decorate as a reminder of the day,” the President’s Residence said. “On Sukkot we celebrate the values of family and peoplehood.”Diaspora Affairs Minister Naftali Bennett said, “Dedicating the President’s Sukka to the relationship between Israel and the Diaspora is an example of these very values. I see how vital and special this relationship is and want to thank the president for putting it in the spotlight. While we may not all live in the same place, we remain one family and one nation.”Rivlin said, “The Jewish people is one family, and we have a duty to learn about the different cultures and day to day lives of Jews around the world; communities that although they are great distances away, remain very close to our hearts. Today – while the Jewish people has returned home – we continue to stand side by side with our family in Jewish communities across the world.”The event will be a celebration not only of the state’s rebirth, but of the many cultures that helped to create it.“I am thrilled to open up the President’s House for Sukkot once again, and to welcome Israelis from all communities, from across the country, to the President’s Sukka. This year, we are focusing this special day on strengthening the bond between the Jewish people around the world and the State of Israel, especially as we prepare to celebrate 70 years of our independence,” Rivlin said.Those interested in attending may register by emailing yael@president.gov.il.This article was written in cooperation with the Diaspora Affairs Ministry.