Israel, a young state, has no long established tradition of official ceremonies. The social and cultural structure of the state encompasses a largely tribal society, with conflicting national narratives among its Arab and Jewish populations and deep divisions between its secular and ultra-Orthodox communities. It is a society made up of more than 9 million people crammed into a tiny piece of land, each group with its own ethos and beliefs. For these reasons, the country tends not to unite around ceremonies.

During one of the most turbulent and divisive times in the country’s history, the July 7 inauguration of Isaac Herzog as the country’s 11th president stood out.

Herzog managed to get all the diverse tribes that make up Israeli society to coalesce around him. He brought together Arabs and the ultra-Orthodox, leftists and supporters of the far right. They all went out of their way to congratulate him on his election.

For a few hours, Knesset members from all the different factions called a cease-fire in their incessant fighting and focused on the moving inauguration ceremony. There was an equestrian guard, a military band, a red carpet and children’s choirs to accompany Herzog to the Knesset, where he was sworn in.