The President of the State, Reuven (Rubi) Rivlin, received from the Ministry of Senior Citizens, on behalf of the State of Israel, a "senior citizen" certificate, as every citizen of the country who reaches the age of 67 receives.
The initiative was conceived by the late Minister Uri Auerbach, but he did not have time to implement it.
In honor of his memory and work, the President hosted veteran citizens born in 1948 and received the certificate on behalf of the state.
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Also speaking at the meeting were Michal Orbach, widow of the late former Minister for Senior Citizens Uri Orbach, and Director General of the Ministry for Senior Citizens Gilad Samma.
The President of the State began his remarks by saying: "I was honored to receive the veteran citizenship certificate on behalf of the State of Israel. Veteran citizens, like the state, only improve over time, and we must educate and integrate them, in their ability to help the state and society in a meaningful way.".
""The late Uri Auerbach succeeded in his work as a minister in bringing to light the abilities of senior citizens, and the understanding that their strength lies in their waists, things that were not taken for granted. Uri conceived of extraordinary initiatives that became a foundation for marking days. Thus, the country's Independence Day was connected to an initiative conceived by Uri, with the distribution of the senior citizen card to the country upon reaching the age of 67.
""Today, those born in the 1948 generation receive the veteran citizen certificate. As far as I'm concerned, they're a joke. I was already a 9-year-old child when the state was established. We must see veteran citizens, as Uri saw them, as a center of strength.".
Michal Orbach, widow of the former Minister for Veterans Affairs, the late Uri Orbach: "I would like to spread from this place the message that the late Uri renewed for all of us - to respect the veteran citizen and give him opportunities to learn and contribute, to spend time and enjoy himself, to volunteer, but yes, also to work and earn a living, according to his experience and skills, so that he will be happy and his family, friends and employers will be happy with him.
""Today is Rosh Chodesh. It was customary to light torches on Rosh Chodesh. May the torch that Uri has lit for the past two years continue to illuminate our path as citizens in a country that is itself already a long-time citizen with a certificate.".
Director General of the Ministry for Senior Citizens, Gilad Samma: "Many think that senior citizens have 'done their part' and perceive them as having completed their role in Israeli society.
""This is of course a wrong and inappropriate view. Due to the increasing life expectancy, senior citizens are present in every field and at every decision-making center. They can and want to work - yes, even after retirement age, they volunteer, study, spend time, consume and do sports. This is how we should treat them, as vital and lively people, who possess a lot of knowledge and experience.".
From the words of Hillel Shaham, 67, a senior citizen who spoke on behalf of the senior citizens at the event: "When you reach the age of 67 and become senior citizens, you feel that life has just begun. We have a lot of experience and knowledge that we have accumulated over the years, and we know how to utilize it both for employment and volunteering purposes and for the proper use of our free time.".
