Israeli President Reuven Rivlin has called on Diaspora Jews to strengthen their connection with Israel and for greater engagement with Israel among the younger generation.

He made the call in his his traditional greeting to Jewish communities around the world on the eve of Rosh Hashanah 5777, the Jewish New Year.

“Today, the Jewish community and its leaders - in Israel and around the world - face three very difficult challenges,” Rivlin said in his message. He named the first as the ensuring the wellbeing and safety of Jewish communities around the world who are in need.

“We must work to help them continue to be proud to be Jewish, with security, free from anti-Semitism, and free to wear a Kipa in the street.”

The President reiterated that, “every Jew will always have a home in Israel, but should have the right to live without fear where they wish, and we must stand up for this right”.

He spoke directly to young Jews around the world and stressed firmly, “do not take Israel for granted, do not forget that our destinies are tied together.”

“You hear arguments about religion, between right and left, and you see the conflict that has been forced on us with our neighbors and feel you have no voice,” he added.

“I say to you, this year, come to Israel and visit, come to Israel and learn - Israel is a strong democracy, come and hear and be heard. Because we are one people, and have a duty to each other”.