In Rahat in the Negev, we came to embrace and offer strength to the Bedouin community that paid a heavy price in the massacre and kidnapping of civilians by Hamas. Women, men, children, as well as members of the community serving in the security forces were brutally taken in the war. We came to offer comfort to the bereaved families, and offer support to the families of the hostages.
I thank the heads of the local authorities, and public leaders in Israeli Arab society as a whole, who have worked admirably throughout these difficult days. I am grateful to the representatives of the Jewish-Arab Situation Room, and the civil society organizations that have worked to strengthen the connections between us. We all share in the pain, and we all share in the challenges we face - whatever our religion, belief, or lifestyle.