September 14, 2016, New York, NY – – Stephen M. Greenberg, Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations today attended the ceremony at the State Department for the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding for U.S. security assistance to Israel that will continue U.S. aid at historically high levels until 2028. Secretary of State John Kerry, President Obama’s National Security Advisor Ambassador Susan Rice, Israel’s Ambassador to the United States Ron Dermer and the U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro, were present for the signing.
Mr. Greenberg said, “It was a privilege to represent the Conference of Presidents at the signing of this historic agreement which represents an unprecedented commitment by the U.S. to the security of Israel and the Israeli people. The overwhelming sense reflected in statements from President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu, in Ambassador Rice’s remarks and expressed by everyone at the signing today was that this new MOU provides both Israel and our nation with enormous benefits.”
President Obama issued a statement in which he said “For as long as the state of Israel has existed, the United States has been Israel’s greatest friend and partner, a fact underscored again today. This commitment to Israel’s security has been unwavering and is based on a genuine and abiding concern for the welfare of the Israeli people and the future of the State of Israel.”
In remarks delivered at the signing, Ambassador Rice said “This MOU is not just good for Israel—it’s good for the United States. Our security is linked—when allies and partners like Israel are more secure, the United States is more secure. Moreover, our Israeli friends will be able to buy more of the advanced capabilities produced by the United States, which will support American jobs. Like so many aspects of the U.S.-Israeli relationship, this MOU is win-win.”
Mr. Greenberg echoed those sentiments, noting the “tens of thousands of American jobs that will be created by Israel’s purchases from the U.S. using all of the funds provided under the MOU. Moreover, the technological advances developed by Israel will better protect American troops and improve their effectiveness on the battlefield.”
Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Conference of Presidents added, “This MOU sends an important message to the entire region of the Middle East of the enduring strength of the U.S.- Israel special relationship. It underscores to those who have tried to portray a fraying in the fabric of the relationship that the two countries have the strongest security and intelligence cooperation and an enduring commitment to mutual support.
We are grateful for the ongoing support of the Administration, Congress and the American people for the friendship and dedication to the U.S.- Israel partnership.”
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