Reuven Rivlin
Reuven RivlinMark Neyman/GPO/Flash 90

President Reuven Rivlin has been chosen as a “Hero of 2014” by the British Guardian. Calling him an “unlikely hero,” the newspaper chose Rivlin for the title because of his strong stance against anti-Arab racism.

The newspaper chose Rivlin for the award despite his “drawbacks” - he is, the paper said, “a lifelong member of Israel’s Likud party, and on the right of that rightwing bloc. He is an advocate of Greater Israel, swallowing up the occupied territories that ought to form an independent Palestinian state” - he was worthy of the title.

“Ever since his elevation to Israel’s largely ceremonial presidency in June he has acted as something like his country’s conscience - both castigating what he sees as a national slide into racism and intolerance, and standing up for the civil rights of Palestinians,” the Guardian said.

The newspaper's editors were especially impressed with a video Rivlin made in October with 11-year-old George Amira of Jaffa, who became a victim of a bullying campaign over his manner of dress and appearance. In the video, Rivlin and Amira are seen holding up a series of signs that stress the evils of bullying and racism.

“Rivlin’s office may be ceremonial,” the Guardian said. “His stand is anything but,” and for this he deserves the designation of Hero.