New York, NY,… Dianne Lob, Chair, William Daroff, CEO, and Malcolm Hoenlein, Vice Chair, of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, issued the following statement:
“President Biden’s trip to Israel reaffirms the unbreakable ties that bind America and the Jewish state. The bilateral relationship is broad and could not be stronger, as seen in the warm greetings and embraces offered by leaders of both countries. President Biden has, on this tenth Israel trip of his career, reiterated America’s unwavering alliance, echoing in his remarks to the nation that one ‘need not be a Jew to be a Zionist.’
“He backed up that commitment by signing the historic Jerusalem Declaration, in a joint ceremony with Israeli Prime Minister Lapid, committing to, among many issues of great mutual concern, not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon. The declaration also included an unequivocal condemnation of the antisemitic Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Movement, which seeks the annihilation of Israel through economic warfare, as well as a joint pledge to combat all efforts to boycott or de-legitimize Israel, to deny its right to self-defense, or to unfairly single it out. New joint efforts on emerging technology were also announced.
“President Biden also advanced Israel’s integration in the region by participating from Jerusalem in a summit among the leaders of India, the UAE, Israel and the United States, where climate change, food insecurity, economic partnerships, and other global challenges were discussed.
“The President’s next stop in Saudi Arabia, starting with the unprecedented direct flight by Air Force One from Tel Aviv to Jeddah, continues the positive trajectory of the Abraham Accords, by encouraging regional integration, the normalization of relations between Israel and her neighbors, as well as reinforcing the US commitment to robust engagement in the region. We are encouraged by the positive developments already taking place in the Saudi-Israeli relationship, demonstrated again yesterday by the Saudi decision to allow Israeli airlines to fly over the Kingdom. We appreciate the role President Biden played in bringing about this groundbreaking development, and look forward to his continuing personal engagement over the months and years ahead.”
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The Conference of Presidents is the central coordinating body representing 50 national Jewish organizations on issues of national and international concern
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