Reuven Rivlin cites Queen Elizabeth's comment on Israelis: "Terrorists or sons of a terrorist"

“The relationship between us and Queen Elizabeth was a little bit difficult because she believed that every one of us was either a terrorist or a son of a terrorist,” former Israeli President Reuven Rivlin remarked, sparking intrigue and laughter during the centennial celebration of the Technion - Israel’s oldest university - in London on Sunday evening.

The event, held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, paid tribute to the institute’s groundbreaking contributions, including the invention of the Iron Dome defense system.

In a conversation with Jewish Chronicle editor Jake Wallis Simons, Rivlin expressed pride in commemorating the Technion’s 100th anniversary, particularly after what he described as “one of the most challenging years” in Israel’s history.

Addressing an audience of 300, he underscored the Technion’s vital role in Israel’s innovation and defense, stating that “our effort is something to write home about by anyone’s standards.”

Rivlin also touched on the broader struggles facing Israel, emphasizing that its fight is not against freedom fighters seeking a Palestinian state but against adversaries who “just want to get rid of Israel.” He asserted, “That is something that cannot be fought or stopped without a strategy.”

When asked about divisions within Israeli society, Rivlin stressed the importance of unity, declaring, “The State doesn’t need us, but we need it.”

The evening concluded with Rivlin receiving Technion UK’s Churchill Award from Baroness Ruth Deech, joining the ranks of past laureates such as Mikhail Gorbachev and King Hussein of Jordan.