September 7, 2010. Yesterday (Tuesday) a ceremony in celebration of Rosh Ha’Shana was held in Be’er Sheva.

The ceremony was held in attendance of OC Southern Command, Maj. Gen. Yoav Galant, mayors of cities in the Negev, and officers and commanders from the Southern Command and the security forces.

Throughout the event the mayor of Be’er Sheva, Mr. Ruvik Danilovich, the Southern District Commander, Maj. Gen. Yohanan Danino, and the head of the local council of Segev Shalom (Shaqib al-Salam), Amar Abu Mua’amar, all spoke. They congratulated Maj. Gen. Galant on being chosen as the 20th Chief of General Staff, and proudly noted the many years he served in the Southern Command.

Maj. Gen. Galant was quoted as saying: “I am proud of the exceptional social tapestry which exists between the mayors, heads of municipalities, and the governmental bodies in the southern region. Thanks to these personal and professional ties we have led the way together to meaningful achievements for the residents of the south.”

The OC Southern Command professed gratitude for: “the privilege of being part of such a group, which works as one, and which places the people as its topmost priority.” The Major General thanked the heads of municipalities for their backing and support in the IDF, and for their willingness to cooperate. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of the close ties between the IDF and the citizens of the area.