Jerusalem, Israel – Oct. 3, 2023 – Keeping with tradition on Chol Hamoed Sukkot, President Isaac and Michal Herzog opened the gates of the Israeli President’s Residence in Jerusalem to the public. This year, the Open Sukkah is themed “Sport – A Game For All”.

The event was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Sport to celebrate sport in Israel – especially in the run-up to the 2024 Olympics – and emphasize the power of sport to promote understanding and positive values of tolerance, equal opportunities, fairness, and diversity in Israeli society.

Over the course of the day, the President and First Lady greeted guests and spoke with visitors to the Open Sukkah from around the country and international visitors such as Daily Wire’s Ben Shapiro and family. They took hundreds of selfies with those who stood in line for the opportunity and listened to various family stories.

Face painting, acrobatic performances, entertainment, a Ninja course, and various games were available outside the large sukkah decorated with sports balls, and not the usual fruit. 

The large Presidential Sukkah is for the open event. In the Beit Hanasi back garden near the shul is a smaller sukkah for private use on the holiday.