Reuven Rivlin

Reuven Rivlin
Avi Ohayon, Government Press Office (Israel) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Reuven Rivlin
Office	10th President of Israel
Term start	2014
Term end	2021
Predecessor	Shimon Peres
Successor	Isaac Herzog
Birth date	1939
Birth place	Jerusalem
Party	Likud
Spouse	Nechama Rivlin

Reuven Rivlin is a prominent Israeli politician who served as the 10th President of Israel from 2014 to 2021. Born in Jerusalem in 1939, Rivlin is a descendant of a family that has lived in the city for over 200 years, with roots tracing back to the Old Yishuv and the Mishkenot Sha'ananim neighborhood. He is a graduate of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and has been involved in Israeli politics for many years, serving in various roles including as a member of the Knesset and as the Speaker of the Knesset. Rivlin has worked closely with notable Israeli leaders, including Menachem Begin, Yitzhak Shamir, and Benjamin Netanyahu.

● Early Life and Education

Reuven Rivlin was born in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Mishkenot Sha'ananim to a family of Sephardic Jews who had lived in the city for many generations. His ancestors were among the founders of the Nahalat Shiva neighborhood and were involved in the development of the Beit Israel neighborhood. Rivlin attended the Gymnasia Rehavia high school in Jerusalem and later studied Law at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he was active in the Herut movement and became friends with fellow student Moshe Katsav. After completing his studies, Rivlin worked as a lawyer and was involved in various business ventures, including the Israel Lands Administration and the Jerusalem Municipality.

● Political Career

Rivlin's political career began in the 1970s, when he was elected to the Jerusalem City Council as a member of the Herut party. He later became a member of the Likud party and was elected to the Knesset in 1988, where he served for many years, including as the Speaker of the Knesset from 2003 to 2006 and again from 2009 to 2013. During his time in the Knesset, Rivlin was a member of various committees, including the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and the Finance Committee, and worked closely with other notable Israeli politicians, including Ariel Sharon, Ehud Olmert, and Tzipi Livni. Rivlin has also been involved in various international organizations, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the European Parliament.

● Presidency

In 2014, Rivlin was elected as the 10th President of Israel, succeeding Shimon Peres and becoming the first Likud member to hold the position. During his presidency, Rivlin has focused on promoting peace and reconciliation between Israel and the Palestinian National Authority, as well as strengthening ties with other countries, including the United States, Germany, and France. Rivlin has also been a strong advocate for the rights of Arab citizens of Israel and has worked to promote coexistence and tolerance between different communities in Israel. He has met with numerous world leaders, including Barack Obama, Angela Merkel, and Vladimir Putin, and has participated in various international events, including the United Nations General Assembly and the European Union summit.

● Personal Life

Rivlin is married to Nechama Rivlin, a professor of botany at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and has four children. He is a descendant of a long line of Rabbis and is a proud Zionist. Rivlin is also a fan of the Beitar Jerusalem football club and has been involved in various charitable organizations, including the Jewish Agency for Israel and the World Jewish Congress. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom from the United States and the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour from France.

● Legacy

Reuven Rivlin's legacy as President of Israel is marked by his commitment to promoting peace and reconciliation in the Middle East, as well as his efforts to strengthen ties between Israel and other countries. He has been a strong advocate for the rights of Arab citizens of Israel and has worked to promote coexistence and tolerance between different communities in Israel. Rivlin has also been recognized for his contributions to the development of Jerusalem and his commitment to preserving the city's rich history and cultural heritage, including the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. He has been honored by various institutions, including the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the Tel Aviv University, and the Weizmann Institute of Science. Category:Presidents of Israel