President Rivlin: “Our sovereignty over Jerusalem will never compromise the freedom of worship and religion of all peoples of faith in Jerusalem and in all of Israel” On the ‘Land of Monasteries’ project: “Just recently I met with Pope Francis about this project and I hope that very soon we can go there together with you. We hope that when this project is complete, every Christian will be able to safely follow the route from Jerusalem to Nazareth via Jericho, and bathe in the waters of the River Jordan.: On the legislation dealing with Church properties: "The State of Israel has no intention of harming the property rights of the churches or their ability to realize their assets. We will never do that. I hope that discussion and dialogue will produce a solution." President Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin today, Thursday 27 December / 19 Tevet hosted leaders of the Christian communities at the traditional New Year’s reception at Beit HaNasi. Minister of the Interior Aryeh Deri, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III, the acting Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, the representative of the Armenian Patriarch,  Custos of the Holy Land, head of the Franciscan Order in Israel and the head of the Greek Catholic Church in Haifa and the Galil also participated in the event. The Ala’a brothers entertained the audience with Christmas songs. Read more