President Herzog attends state dinner hosted in his honor in Lusaka

(Communicated by the President’s Spokesperson)

During a state dinner hosted in his honor today (Monday, 10 November 2025) in Lusaka by President Hakainde Hichilema, President Isaac Herzog urged the international community to address the humanitarian suffering in Africa – noting that it should give the issue the same urgency as it applies to Israel.

“We are worried and disturbed by the terrible disasters taking place in other parts of Africa,” President Herzog said. “We hope the international community will focus on the pain in Africa at least as much as it has focused with its obsession on the State of Israel.”

In his address, President Herzog expressed deep appreciation for Zambia’s friendship and leadership, and for the warm hospitality extended by President Hichilema and the First Lady. He said, “The connection between Zion and Zambia is so natural. Like Zion, which whispers to us from antiquity, Africa too is a cradle of human civilization. Our two nations are bound by shared values of courage, hard work, and innovation. Zambia’s spirit of growth and determination resonates deeply with the Israeli people.”

President Herzog praised Zambia’s development achievements under President Hichilema’s leadership and noted the historic reopening of Israel’s embassy in Lusaka as a “nerve center of creativity, innovation, and knowledge-sharing” between the two nations.

“I call upon Israelis and Jewish communities worldwide to visit, invest, and build together with Zambia,” he added. “The sky is the limit for cooperation in technology, agriculture, health, and education — all for the betterment of humanity.”

Touching on regional and global issues, President Herzog thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for his leadership in achieving the recent ceasefire and for helping to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. He reiterated Israel’s determination to see all remaining hostages returned.

“We are fighting an empire of evil emanating from Iran, defending not only Israel but the entire free world. We are eager for peace and grateful to all who support us in this pursuit.”

The state dinner marked a highlight of President Herzog’s historic visit to Zambia — the first ever by an Israeli President — symbolizing a renewed era of friendship, partnership, and shared progress between Israel and the nations of Africa.