Have you noticed that Israeli President Reuven Rivlin keeps popping up in viral videos all over Israel? From last year’s Koolulam video for Yom Ha’atzmaut, to this year’s “Shevet Achim Va’achayot”…Rivlin is there, front and center.

And he’s so lovable, that’s just fine with us.

In honor of Yom Ha’atzmaut 2019, President Rivlin recently teamed up with Boaz Sharabi – plus dozens of choir members and dancers – to sing Boaz’s classic, “Halevai”. The famous song, of course, was composed by Boaz Sharabi, with lyrics by Ehud Manor.

Where will the President pop up next?

The song is a prayer for hope, and therefore, the perfect song for Yom Ha’atzmaut.

Translated lyrics from HebrewSongs.com:

If only – 
from a cloud, a rainbow will come down over us.
If only – 
this world can be fixed!
If only –
the day will spring up out of the raging storm.
If only –
the gift will not be lost forever.
If only –
the desert will sprout grass.
If only –
we’ll yet sit under the shade of the fig tree

Chorus:
If only –
we won’t suffer and each man will love his brother.
If only –
the gates of Eden will again open.
If only –
east and west will mix together,
If only –
we will renew our days here as in ancient times.

If only –
nation will no longer lift sword against nation.
If only –
we won’t abandon the path of hope.
If only –
man will be compassionate till evening.
If only –
there’s one chance for love.