This afternoon The American Zionist Movement hosted an AZM National Leadership meeting with H.E. Gilad Erdan, Israel’s Ambassador to the United States and the United Nations, for his first meeting with the leadership of AZM and its 33 constituent national Jewish Zionist organizations. At this exclusive session, Ambassador Erdan spoke with the diverse group of American Jewish leaders about his work with the Biden administration and bi-partisan leadership in Congress, as well as regarding his diplomatic efforts at the UN. Ambassador Erdan is the first person to serve in both roles since Abba Eban in the 1950s.
In introducing the Ambassador, Richard D. Heideman, President of AZM, said: “Ambassador Erdan stands not only against Antisemitism and Holocaust Denial and efforts to delegitimize the State of Israel, but even more that, he stands against the demonization of Israel. He is a diplomatic warrior working proudly on behalf of Israel and the Jewish people.”
Amb. Erdan praised AZM and the International March of the Living for their Diplomatic Missions that have taken 100 UN Ambassadors from 66 countries to Poland and Israel for Holocaust education and first-hand exposure to Israel, which he described as having been “most impactful” in developing support for Israel at the UN. Amb. Erdan also noted the significance of the recent letter sent by US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken to AZM President Richard D. Heideman, in which he stated that the “Biden administration enthusiastically embraces the 2016 International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism.”
Amb. Erdan addressed issues facing both the US and Israel, particularly including the threats from Iran. He further indicated that the Abraham Accords have set a new stage of diplomacy for Israel in her wide-ranging relations with countries throughout the region, committed to peace, security and economic development for the betterment of all peoples of the region.
For Further information, contact:
Alicia Post
National Program and Communications Director
apost@azm.org
