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Engaging Leaders - American Jewish Congress

We work with political leaders globally to advance Jewish interests. We also strive to engage with up-and-coming politicians from around the world to expand support for Jewish rights. Our annual International Conference of Mayors welcomes mayors from over 30 nations to Israel to promote and educate the world on the Jewish state.

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Engaging Leaders 

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January 5, 2023 - JACK ROSEN: US, Israeli Jews need to come together, not criticize each other

By Jack Rosen, President of the American Jewish Congress Published originally in the Jerusalem Post. There is currently a great deal of talk in the media about an impending confrontation between American Jews and Israel due to the composition of the new Israeli government. This right-wing coalition, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, includes elements of the far-right, such as politicians Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir. American Jews are right to be concerned about Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, who advocate policies regarding Jewish identity and religion, as well as Israel’s judiciary, that are and should be unacceptable to the vast majority of American Jews. As a…

November 3, 2022 - PRESS RELEASE: American Jewish Congress Statement on the Israeli Election

New York, NY, November 3, 2022 - As the final reports of Israel’s election come to light, we recognize and congratulate the historic achievements of the Israeli democratic process. For the fifth time in four years, the people of Israel have spoken in a way that cherishes the same democratic values that tie the United States and Israel together. The American Jewish Congress congratulates Opposition-leader Benjamin Netanyahu for winning the elections and once again earning the trust and vote of the Israeli people. As the longest-serving Prime Minister in the history of the State of Israel, he understands the importance of…

October 19, 2022 - NEWSWEEK: Trump’s Israel Comments Divisive and Antisemitic, Jewish Groups Say

Published originally in Newsweek. Former U.S. President Donald Trump's recent remarks about American Jews "getting their act together" on Israel "before it is too late", are bigoted and stoke antisemitism, Jewish groups have said. "No President has done more for Israel than I have. Somewhat surprisingly, however, our wonderful Evangelicals are far more appreciative of this than the people of the Jewish faith, especially those living in the U.S.," Trump wrote on his Truth Social social media platform on October 16. "Those living in Israel, though, are a different story — Highest approval rating in the World, could easily be P.M.! "U.S.…

August 25, 2022 - PRESS RELEASE: American Jewish Congress Congratulates Pro-Israel Voices Who Rang Loud in New York Primaries

New York, NY, August 25, 2022 - Once again, the victory lap in this year's New York primaries goes to candidates who stayed true to America's ideals and allies – those that rejected hate and stood strongly with Israel and committed to the U.S.-Israel relationship. Again, moderate voices are winning in the fight against the extreme, and the American Jewish Congress is proud of the American Voices that are ringing that sentiment loud. We wish those candidates; defenders of Israel and supporters of the Jewish community alike, heartfelt congratulations and wish them luck as they respond now to the expectations of the…

July 15, 2022 - PRESS RELEASE: American Jewish Congress Applauds Saudi Arabia’s Decision to Open Airspace to Israeli Flights

New York, NY, July 15, 2022 - The American Jewish Congress applauds the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its decision to open its airspace, allowing Israeli aircraft and "all air carriers that meet the requirements of the authority" to fly within the Kingdom's domain. This step marks an important milestone in fostering a stronger and more prosperous relationship between Israel and the Arab world and will contribute to the economic growth and advancement of peace between the two nations. For years, diplomatic dialogue between Israel and other Arab nations has garnered warm results, but when dealing with a decision of this magnitude,…

June 14, 2022 - PRESS RELEASE: American Jewish Congress Welcomes Announcement of President Biden’s Upcoming Middle East Visit

New York, June 14, 2022 - The American Jewish Congress welcomes President Joe Biden's announcement of his planned visit to the Middle East. While he has been to the State of Israel many times and in different capacities, this will be President Biden's first visit to Israel as Commander in Chief. This trip is expected to carry a lot of significance in highlighting the strong bonds between the United States and Israel, and the unwavering alliances, both strategically and ideologically, that our two countries share. Moreover, President Biden's meeting with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and other Israeli leaders will provide the opportunity to discuss expanded cooperation between…

June 10, 2022 - JNS: Bipartisan bill introduced to counter Iranian threat to Abraham Accord signatories

Published originally in the Jewish News Syndicate (JNS). A bill to develop a strategic approach to how the United States will work to encourage cooperation between members of the Abraham Accords in combating Iranian aggression was introduced on Wednesday in both chambers of Congress. The bipartisan bill, Deterring Enemy Forces and Enabling National Defense (DEFEND) Act, would require the Secretary of Defense to work with America’s allies in the Middle East to structure an air and missile defense plan for countries whose people and infrastructure are threatened by attacks from Iran or its proxies. The introduction of the bills comes…

June 10, 2022 - JEWISH INSIDER: Abraham Accords Caucus Urges Integrated Middle East Air-Defense Program

Published originally in the Jewish Insider. In its first legislative initiative since its founding earlier this year, the Abraham Accords Caucus, comprised of members of both the House and Senate, introduced legislation on Thursday to encourage the U.S. to pursue a joint missile-defense architecture with Israel and the U.S.’s Arab allies and partners in the Middle East — including Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The bipartisan Deterring Enemy Forces and Enabling National Defenses (DEFEND) Act advances a priority of both lawmakers on Capitol Hill and U.S. military command in the Middle East — building an integrated air- and missile-defense capability among the U.S.’s regional partners and allies…

June 10, 2022 - SENATOR ERNST: Ernst-led Proposal to Unite Middle East Partners Against Iranian Aggression

Published originally by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA). Upon introduction of the DEFEND Act, Israel and Jewish advocacy organizations announce their support for the framework. Earlier today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), alongside her colleagues on the Abraham Accords Caucus in the Senate and the House, unveiled the DEFEND (Deterring Enemy Forces and Enabling National Defenses) Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill to develop a strategic approach among countries included in the Abraham Accords, aimed at combatting Iranian aggression in the Middle East. Upon the introduction of the legislation, a group of Israel and Jewish advocacy organizations announced their support for the framework: ADL; AFPI;…

June 9, 2022 - PRESS RELEASE: American Jewish Congress Applauds the Introduction of the Bipartisan, Bicameral DEFEND Act

New York, June 9, 2022 – Today, members of the Abraham Accords caucus in both the House and the Senate introduced the Deterring Enemy Forces and Enabling National Defenses (DEFEND) Act, a legislation that helps to safeguard Israel and other Middle Eastern allies against threats stemming from Iran. Providing authorization to the U.S. Secretary of Defense, the DEFEND Act will foster further cooperation with allies and partner states in the Middle East and develop integrated air and missile architecture to defend against Iranian threats. Furthermore, this legislation will require the Department of Defense to periodically report to Congress, highlighting the feasibility of…

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