Russia’s Embassy in Israel/Facebook
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took part in the state reception in honor of Russia’s Day. The reception was organized in St. Sergius churchyard in Jerusalem, TASS informs.
The Head of Government has called it great honor that this reception is organized in Jerusalem and he could be present on it. Netanyahu gave a speech at the background of the stone wall lit with colors of the Russian national flag.
He has commented that he treats Russia with great respect. Prime Minister talked about courage of the Russian people and huge contribution of Russia into civilization. Israeli leader said that he knows Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky, Rachmaninov and Stravinsky since childhood.
Netanyahu has underlined that the sacrifice of the Russian people and its contribution into defeating fascism will never be forgotten. He has satisfactorily mentioned that they managed to pass St. Sergius church into Russia’s ownership, despite all the bureaucratic difficulties.
According to the Head of Russian External Affairs’ Department Anatoly Voktorov, presence of Benjamin Netanyahu at the reception proves that relations between the two countries are positively developing. He expressed huge gratitude for this wonderful gesture of respect.
Note that St. Sergius church was returned to Russia in 2008 with participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He directly addressed the Israeli authorities asking to return the building to the Russian Orthodox Church. After all the formalities were observed, the territory of St. Sergius church was restored. The restoration expenditures cost about 10 million dollars. Russian Spiritual Mission in Jerusalem marked its 170th anniversary a year ago, receiving a right to accommodate pilgrims with comfort and organize various activities and meetings at the church yard.
Russkiy Mir
