WELCOME MR. PRESIDENT

In Rivlin's first speech to the nation as president, he said the inauguration was taking place as scheduled "not solely in the name of the law, but to deliver a clear message to our enemies – you cannot and will not defeat us. We are determined to protect the pillars of our regime, as well as the character of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, even in time of war against terror. "Hamas terrorists can entrench themselves in tunnels, open fire from within schools, and use civilians as a living shield. But terror will not cause us to withdraw; it will not weaken our spirit," he added. Rivlin emphasized that Israel is not fighting the Palestinian people or a war on Islam, rather it is fighting "cruel and murderous terrorism." "The eradication of terror is not only just, it is the most humane act. Only the elimination of terror will bring an end to the killing of innocent people, on both sides," he stated. Rivlin also touched on topics he often spoke of when he was an MK and Knesset speaker, saying "the Knesset is the source of strength and vitality of Israeli democracy," and reminding lawmakers to respect and listen to one another. "Without listening, the essence of democracy is lost, and decisions by majority may well become tyranny," he said emphasizing the need for tolerance and equality for all. Finally, the new president relayed a message of hope. "The Jewish nation has proven its stamina. For two thousand years we waited to return to our homeland, and today we are safely ensconced here," Rivlin stated. A day will come when the darkness of terrorism will be eradicated from the land. A day will come when we will live here in tranquility and peace side by side; a day will come when peace will be established between Israel and all its neighbors. Today, just as before, even in a time of turbulence and pain, we refuse to abandon our cause; we do not give up the hope to build here the society we dreamt of. "Long live the State of Israel!" Rivlin concluded, in tears, and was given a standing ovation. Rivlin paid tribute to Peres' decades of service to the country. "You were a shepherd filled with hope and a poetic visionary," Rivlin said. "You tied your destiny to the one of this nation, and constantly wished to foresee and guide it. On behalf of myself and the people of Israel, I wish to thank you for carrying the burdens of this nation for generations, a lifetime, and for continuing to do so in the future." When Peres became president he put his "political commitment aside and became a man of the people; everyone's man. "You said the right words. You expressed accurate emotions. You were a man of hope and a man of the future," he stated. Then, as the baton of the presidency was passed from Peres to Rivlin, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein said the prayer for the changing of the guard at the Holy Temple: "May love, brotherhood, peace and friendship dwell among us."