THE CONFERENCE OF PRESIDENTS MOURNS PASSING OF FORMER PRIME MINISTER OF ISRAEL, ARIEL SHARON

Robert G. Sugarman, Chairman, and Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman, said, “The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations deeply mourns the passing of former Prime Minister of Israel, Ariel Sharon, with whom the Conference enjoyed a decades-long close relationship. Prime Minister Sharon in all of his positions never missed an opportunity to meet with the Conference and address us, and often took us on tours to understand better the defense and security needs and the strategic issues confronting Israel. There were few in Israel’s history who contributed so much to the State, who demonstrated courage and bravery as well as keen insight and incisive thinking. Prime Minister Sharon always went out of his way to discuss and take into consideration the views of the diaspora community and valued his role not only as Prime Minister of Israel but also as a leader of the Jewish people. He served his country and his people and will be remembered forever in the annals of those who helped recreate the Jewish State of Israel. We extend our condolences to his family and to the people of Israel.”