At Israel Heritage Foundation & Arutz Sheva summit in New York, Culture Minister Miki Zohar delivers forceful speech declaring Israel’s strategic resolve in Gaza and warning the free world of Iran’s global threat.
Minister of Culture and Sports Miki Zohar participated in the special Israel Heritage Foundation & Arutz Sheva summit in New York City. The dinner celebrated Israel’s “Jerusalem Day” and was attended by senior Israeli and Jewish public figures and the leaders of the Israel Heritage Foundation.
In his address, Zohar reflected on Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas and the broader threats facing the free world. His remarks, delivered with urgency and clarity, highlighted Israel’s resolve and the moral imperative to act decisively.
“One year and seven months ago, we realized the truth: You cannot deter evil,” Zohar began. “You cannot make arrangements with terror, and you cannot build a secure life when the other side calls for your death.”
He described how these realities transformed a peaceful Saturday morning into a day of terror, stating, “Since October 7th, Israel is no longer the same country.”
“This is no longer just a time for military operations. This is a time for decisions — between weakness and strength, between hesitation and determination, between reaction and taking action.”
Zohar emphasized that Israel has chosen the path of action, saying, “The State of Israel chooses to defeat its enemy once and for all. This is why our Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is leading this just war to provide a long-term solution for the Middle East.”
He declared that Israel is preparing to re-enter the Gaza Strip with the intention of remaining there, stressing, “This is the only way to ensure the images of October 7th never return.”
“We’ve learned that the only language the Palestinians and the terrorists understand is force and loss of territory. Power, strength, and the annexation of land are the keys to our security.”
Zohar explained that the Israeli government has already made a clear decision: to control the Gaza Strip, hold territory, and fully defeat Hamas.
“This is not a whim or a tactical step, but a strategic move to end the rule of terror,” he added.
He also emphasized Israel’s moral responsibility to bring home the 59 hostages still held in Gaza: “Some are alive, some are wounded, and sadly, some are no longer with us. But all of them are ours — Israeli, American, and others — who must return home. They need to know: The State of Israel does not forget. Israel does not leave anyone behind.”
Turning to the broader geopolitical threat, Zohar warned, “Here in New York and across the free world, we must remember: Behind every rocket and every antisemitic statement stands the force of radical Islam led by Iran. They openly say: After we’re done with the Jews — we will come for you.”
Iran, he warned, is the central threat to both Middle East stability and the global order: “It funds Hamas, arms Hezbollah, attacks from Yemen, and advances toward nuclear weapons. This is not just another round. This is a historic decision for the entire world.”
Zohar concluded with a message of resolve and unity, saying, “Our brave Israeli soldiers are committed to winning this war — for Israel and for the rest of the world. I believe we will win. I believe we can defeat Hamas, bring back the hostages, and stop Iran. Good must defeat evil so we can build a secure future for our children. This is the mission of our generation. Now it is our turn — to shape the future of the free world.”
“Thank you very much,” he concluded. “And God willing, may we see better days — for us and for the whole world.”
