Recognizing the City of David as a Testament to America’s Judeo-Christian Heritage and Founding Principles

Special Ceremony Held Dedicating Plaque to The City of David U.S. Embassy Jerusalem Press Release January 18, 2021 The United States Embassy in Jerusalem, together with the United States Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad, have recognized the City of David as a testament to America’s Judeo-Christian heritage and founding principles. The archeological …

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Former U.S. AMBASSADOR DELIVERS REMARKS AT SPECIAL KNESSET COMMITTEE SESSION

January 11, 2021 Today, U.S. Ambassador to Israel David M. Friedman visited the Knesset at the invitation of the Subcommittee for Policy and Strategy of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.  During the closed-door meeting, Ambassador Friedman and committee members discussed the deep and enduring ties between the United States and Israel and shared regional …

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Statement by Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David M. Friedman

January 8, 2021 Our Republic was severely tested this week. But we proved our resilience in the face of unprecedented stress. Our Constitution worked, as did our laws and our law enforcement. Our democracy will emerge stronger and, once again, with an orderly transition of power. I would like to congratulate President-elect Biden and his …

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U.S. Embassy Jerusalem is saying goodbye to 2020

U.S. Embassy Jerusalem is saying goodbye to 2020: Despite all the challenges of this year, there were still many moments to celebrate in safe and creative ways. Together, the US-Israel partnership has reached new heights. 🇺🇸🇮🇱 Watch as we look back on some of our favorite memories. May you all have a healthy and happy …

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U.S. Embassy Jerusalem Issues First Passport Listing Place of Birth as ”Israel” for Applicants Born in Jerusalem

U.S. Embassy Jerusalem Press Release October 30, 2020 Following the State Department’s announcement October 29, 2020, announcing that the Department will now allow U.S. citizens born in Jerusalem to elect to list their place of birth as either “Israel” or “Jerusalem,” the first passport exemplifying the new regulation was issued today [Friday, October 30, 2020] …

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U.S. Citizens Born in Jerusalem

PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE OCTOBER 29, 2020 Consistent with President Trump’s Jerusalem Proclamation of December 6, 2017, and the historic opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem on May 14, 2018, today I am announcing updates to the Department’s guidance on passports and other consular documents issued to U.S. citizens.  …

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BIRD/BARD SPEECH AT ARIEL UNIVERSITY – AS Delivered  

Mr. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of Science and Technology Yizhar Shai, Mayor of Ariel Eli Shaviro, Minister of Regional Cooperation Ofir Akunis, Ariel University President Yehuda Danon, so many other distinguished guests in attendance and of course all those who are participating virtually:   In the early 1970’s, nearly 50 years ago, the United States of America and the State of Israel began to formalize academic, research and technological cooperation in the fields of science, industry and …

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U.S., Israel Expand Reach of Binational Foundations and Establish New Scientific and Technological Cooperation Agreement

U.S. Embassy Jerusalem Press Release October 28, 2020 Today, the United States and Israel agreed to remove geographic restrictions in each of the agreements that established the three U.S. –Israel Binational Foundations: the Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation (BIRD), the Binational Science Foundation (BSF), and the Binational Agricultural Research and Development Foundation (BARD). Both …

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US, Israel, UAE announce establishment of Abraham Fund following Accords commitment 

TEL AVIV, October 20th – The United States, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates are proud to announce the establishment of the Abraham Fund, which fulfils a commitment made in the Abraham Accords. Through this fund, the US International Development Finance Corporation, the UAE, and Israel will mobilize more than $3 billion in private sector-led …

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The Abraham Accords

Remarks by President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu of the State of Israel Before Bilateral Meeting Abraham Accords Peace Agreement: Treaty of Peace, Diplomatic Relations and Full Normalization Between the United Arab Emirates and the State of Israel The Abraham Accords Declaration  Abraham Accords: Declaration of Peace, Cooperation, and Constructive Diplomatic and Friendly Relations President Trump and the First Lady participate in the Abraham Accords signing ceremony!

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2nd anniversary of the opening of the US Embassy in Jerusalem

Today is the 2nd anniversary of the opening of the US Embassy in Jerusalem. Please enjoy the video linked below which captures some of the highlights, and shares some reflections, of that historic day. Thank you President Trump for keeping a sacred promise to an ancient people. היום אנחנו מציינים שנתיים להעברת שגרירות ארצות הברית …

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Planted an olive tree at the Ambassador’s Residence in Jerusalem with KKL-JNF

“Planted an olive tree at the Ambassador’s Residence in Jerusalem with KKL-JNF today. Joined President Donald J. Trump’s “trillion tree” initiative, commemorated Tu Bishvat and strengthened our presence in this Holy City. Just like the tree, may our relationship with Israel grow bigger & stronger.” – Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, February 12, …

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Remarks by Former Vice President Pence and Prime Minister Netanyahu of the State of Israel After Bilateral Meeting | Jerusalem, Israel

U.S. Embassy Jerusalem Jerusalem, Israel 8:19 P.M. IST VICE PRESIDENT PENCE:  Well, thank you all for being here, and it is my great privilege to be on my second visit to Israel as Vice President of the United States.  But to have the honor to welcome Prime Minister Netanyahu to the American Embassy here in …

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Remarks by Former Vice President Pence at the Fifth World Holocaust Forum | Jerusalem, Israel

Yad Vashem Jerusalem, Israel 3:24 P.M. IST VICE PRESIDENT PENCE:  President Rivlin, Prime Minister Netanyahu, Your Majesties, Presidents, Excellencies, honored survivors and distinguished guests: It is deeply humbling for me to stand before you today, on behalf of the American people, as we mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. On this occasion, …

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Former Vice President of the United States Visit – World Holocaust Forum to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz

Remarks by Vice President Pence and Prime Minister Netanyahu of the State of Israel After Bilateral Remarks by Vice President Pence at the Fifth World Holocaust Forum | Jerusalem, Israel Mike Pence, Vice President of the United States, disembarks his airplane after landing in Ben Gurion Airport in Israel, on January 23, 2020. VPOTUS was met by the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman. On the Israeli side, he was greeted by Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, the Foreign Ministry Director-General Yuval Rotem and Ambassador …

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Remarks by Former U.S. Ambassador David M. Friedman at the Kohelet Forum

January 8, 2020 Jerusalem A couple of words before I begin: We are all watching closely events taking place in the region, and we will hear in a few hours President Trump’s assessment of the reported Iranian missile strikes on bases where we have American military personnel stationed. Initial assessments are positive, and we pray …

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Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas, and a very happy new year to all from Former Ambassador David Friedman

Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas, and a very happy new year to all from Ambassador David Friedman. May it be a year that unites us in acts of good will, generosity and kindness. חנוכה שמח, חג מולד שמח, ושנה אזרחית חדשה טובה לכולם מהשגריר דוד פרידמן. מי ייתן ששנה זו תאחד אותנו במעשים של רצון טוב, …

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Senior Advisor to the President Jared Kushner, met with Blue and White Chairman, LTG (res.) MK Benny Gantz in Jerusalem, Israel

Today Senior Advisor to the President Jared Kushner, met with Blue and White Chairman, LTG (res.) MK Benny Gantz in Jerusalem, Israel. Also in attendance were Ambassador David Friedman, Special Envoy Brian Hook and Deputy Assistant to the President Avi Berkowitz, as well as MK Yair Lapid. They discussed the strong relationship and unbreakable alliance …

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Shana Tova from all of us at U.S. Embassy Jerusalem!

שנה טובה משגרירות ארה”ב בירושלים! השגרירל שעבר  פרידמן יצא לחפש אחר הדבש הטרי ביותר לחגיגות ראש השנה, וצוות השגרירות נחלץ לעזרתו. נחשו מה היינו צריכים לעשות?! 🎶🍯 Shana Tova from all of us at U.S. Embassy Jerusalem! This year Former Ambassador Friedman was on the lookout for the freshest honey for Rosh Hashanah celebrations, so …

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Former Ambassador Friedman and U.S. Special Representative Jason Greenblatt met this afternoon with the chairman of Israel’s Blue and White Party

Ambassador David Friedman and U.S. Special Representative Jason Greenblatt met this afternoon with the chairman of Israel’s Blue and White Party, General Benny Gantz. They had a cordial discussion on various topics, including the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship, security challenges within the region and efforts to promote peace. I met with Ambassador David Friedman …

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USAID Administrator Mark Green and Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz signed a Memorandum

Wednesday, August 21, 2019 USAID Administrator Mark Green and Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen the global partnership in development between the two countries.  USAID – US Agency for International Development  and  MASHAV  – Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation, established the framework for increased cooperation for the development of partner countries in areas such as …

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Former Ambassador Friedman Statement on Israeli Government Decision To Deny Entry to Tlaib/Omar Congressional Delegation

STATEMENT OF AMBASSADOR DAVID FRIEDMAN WITH REGARD TO THE DECISION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF ISRAEL TO DENY ENTRY TO DELEGATION LED BY CONGRESSWOMEN RASHIDA TLAIB AND ILHAN OMAR Jerusalem, Israel August 15, 2019 The United States supports and respects the decision of the Government of Israel to deny entry to the Tlaib/Omar Delegation. The Boycott, …

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4th of July Speech by Former Ambassador David M. Friedman‏

Good Evening.  Tammy and I warmly welcome you to Jerusalem, the capital of the State of Israel.It’s my pleasure to welcome PM Netanyahu and Sara Netanyahu President Reuven Rivlin (who honored us earlier this evening with his attendance) Deputy President of the Supreme Court, The Honorable Hanan Melcer Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism, Elan Carr …

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4th of July Party – Join us live on U.S. Embassy Jerusalem Facebook page

Even if you’re not going to be attending our first ever Independence Day Party in Jerusalem, you can still join us live on  U.S. Embassy Jerusalem Facebook page. Looking forward to being with you, virtually or in person. גם אם לא תשתתפו במסיבת ה-4 ביולי הראשונה בירושלים, עדיין תוכלו לצפות בה בשידור חי בעמוד הפייסבוק שלנו . מצפים לחגוג איתכם, דרך …

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Official ceremony naming a community in the Golan Heights after Former U.S. President Donald Trump

Former Ambassador David M. Friedman, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, ministers and officials from the Golan Regional Council take part in an official ceremony naming a community in the Golan Heights after U.S. President Donald Trump, on June 16, 2019.

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Former U.S. Ambassador David Friedman hosted a Ramadan Iftar

Last night U.S. Ambassador David Friedman hosted a Ramadan Iftar meal at his home with many Muslim, Christian and Jewish friends. As he mentioned in his remarkes at the Iftar: “There is far more that unites us than divides us.”  #RamadanKareem استضاف السفير الأمريكي ديفيد فريدمان الليلة الماضية إفطاراً رمضاني رائع في منزله مع العديد من …

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Op-Ed: A year after opening the Jerusalem Embassy: On the right side of history

Read the op-ed Ambassador David Friedman wrote for ‘Israel Hayom’ ahead of the first anniversary of the U.S. Embassy move to Jerusalem Contrary to all the negative predictions, the Jerusalem embassy has been an extraordinary success, advancing peaceful coexistence, bilateral cooperation and cultural exchange between and among Israelis, Palestinians and Americans. by   David M. Friedman On May 14, 2018, the United States finally opened its embassy in …

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Former US Ambassadors and US Special Envoy for Combatting Anti-Semitism Elan Carr

שגרירים אמריקאים והשליח המיוחד של הנשיא טראמפ למאבק באנטישמיות המבקרים בישראל פרסמו הצהרה משותפת שמביעה תמיכה בישראל Honored to host a visiting delegation of US ambassadors and US Special Envoy for Combatting Anti-Semitism Elan Carr. Please see our joint statement below in support of Israel as the country faces yet another barrage of missile attacks …

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Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David M. Friedman delivers remarks at the 2019 @AIPAC Policy Conference

“as delivered” Tuesday, March 26, 2019 Thank you so much. It’s so great to be back with you and I bring you greetings from my boss, my friend, and Israel’s greatest ally ever to reside in the White House, President Donald Trump. I want to start today on an outrageous, a sad, and ultimately a …

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“Hand in Hand” school supported by USAID

Former  U.S. Ambassador David Friedman toured “Hand In Hand” bilingual school in Jerusalem this morning and was greeted by it’s first graders with Hebrew and Arabic songs 🎼 Hand in Hand: Center for Jewish-Arab Education in Israel Spent the day in Jerusalem meeting with Christian, Muslim and Jewish residents. Loved the “Hand in Hand” school supported by USAID, where all faiths and backgrounds study together …

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U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham and Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman toured the Israel-Gaza border area

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham and U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman toured the Israel-Gaza border area today. Senator Graham and Ambassador Friedman were briefed by Israel Defense Forces Southern Command Commander Maj.-Gen. Herzi Halevi and also visited an unearthed cross-border Hamas terror tunnel accompanied by Brig.-Gen. Eliezer Toledano, commander of the IDF’s Gaza division. (No …

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Former U.S. Ambassador, Israeli PM Visit THAAD Deployment Site

U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled yesterday to a site where the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) deployed a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. The two officials received a briefing from the commanders in the field, and held a tour at the site. This afternoon I toured …

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Former Ambassador Friedman Visits Beit Jimal Monastery

Today Ambassador Friedman visited the beautiful and historical Beit Jimal Monastery, together with the NGO Tag Meir, to strongly condemn multiple vandalism attacks on the monastery and its cemetery in recent years. All those who believe in religious freedom have a duty to stand up to protect and defend religious minorities. The monastery is built …

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An Investment in Israel’s Arab Community, An Investment in Israel’s Future

Former  Ambassador David Friedman’s op-ed in Al-Quds newspaper In the short span of its 70 years as an independent nation, Israel has transformed itself into one of the most robust world economies.  With per capita Gross National Product nearing $40,000, a dynamic start-up culture and the third-most educated population in the world, Israel is a …

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Former U.S. Ambassador, Israeli PM Light Hanukkah Candles at Western Wall, December 6, 2018

U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mr. David M. Friedman and his wife Tammy joined Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu at Jerusalem’s Western Wall this evening (December 6, 2018) for a candle-lighting ceremony marking the fifth night of Hanukkah. Today marks one year since President Trump’s December 6, 2017 declaration on moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem.

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Former Ambassador Friedman’s Statement on Recent Meetings in Washington on the Peace Plan

Jared Kushner, Jason Greenblatt and I had a very productive meeting last week in the Oval Office with President Trump, Vice President Pence, Secretary Pompeo and Ambassador Bolton in which we discussed the President’s vision for comprehensive peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Reports of our meeting have been wildly inaccurate. I would like to reaffirm …

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SHOOTING SYNAGOGUE

Today the residents of Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill community are in mourning in the aftermath of a terrorist shooting attack shattering Tree of Life synagogue’s Shabbat services. We are heartbroken and pray for the victims and their families, including the brave police. 9:31 AM – 27 Oct 2018 President Trump’s remarks on the horrific, anti-semitic, attack …

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Former Ambassador Friedman’s Remarks at the JFNA General Assembly

Canadian Ambassador to Israel, Deborah Lyons, Chair of the JFNA Board of Trustees, my friend Richard Sandler, incoming Chair Mr. Mark Wilf, co-chairs of the GA Danna Azrieli and Marius Nacht, CEO of the JFNA, my friend and fellow rabbi’s son, Jerry Silverman, my wife, Tammy just returning from the birthday party of our eldest …

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Prime Minister Netanyahu and Former Ambassador Friedman on board USS ROSS (DDG 71)

U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman hoster  The Prime Minister of Israel  Benjamin Netanyahu on board the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer  USS ROSS (DDG 71)  at the Port of Ashdod. During the visit, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Ambassador Friedman toured the ship, met the Sailors and officers who command the vessel, and gave remarks at a celebration marking the 243rd birthday of the  U.S. Navy . (function(d, s, …

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Remarks by President Trump in Rosh Hashanah National Press Call with Jewish Faith Leaders and Rabbis

Issued on: September 6, 2018 Via Telephone 12:18 P.M. EDT MR. KUSHNER: Thank you very much. I want to welcome everybody. And thank you for joining us today to celebrate the High Holidays. And it’s my honor to introduce in a few minutes the President. As we enter the final days of the month of Elul …

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Former Ambassador Friedman went down to Sderot to thank the Israel Fire & Rescue Authority and 10 of their American counterparts

Real solidarity is measured with deeds, and there’s no better way to show such solidarity than fighting shoulder to shoulder against the fires raging on the Gaza border. This morning Ambassador Friedman went down to Sderot to thank the  כבאות והצלה לישראל Israel Fire & Rescue Authority  and 10 of their American counterparts who volunteered to come to Israel through the  Emergency Volunteer Project  to help …

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For Gaza peace, tell the truth about Hamas – Op-Ed CNN

  The world is growing tired of Hamas and its culture of hate and violence. Even the United Nations is changing. Attached is the article I co-wrote with Ambassador Haley, Jared Kushner and Jason Greenblatt. 12:59 AM – 22 Jul 2018

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Former Amb. Freidman Commends MEPI-Supported Organization for Its Work to Increase Employment Diversity in Israel

On July 9th, Ambassador David Freidman hosted the closing ceremony for the “Diversity Works” project – a joint initiative led by the itworks nonprofit organization and  supported by the U.S. Embassy’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI).  Diversity Works contributed to a dramatic 150% increase in employment diversity in the 47 participating companies by integrating various …

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4th of July Speech by Former Ambassador David M. Friedman‏

(Speech as prepared) July 3, 2018 Ladies and Gentlemen, Gvirotai V’rabotai, for the first time in its 242 year history, the United States of America is proud and grateful to receive happy birthday wishes from its Embassy in Jerusalem, the capital of the State of Israel! What a difference a year makes! Last year we …

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Readout of Jared Kushner and Jason Greenblatt’s Meeting with the Prime Minister of Israel

Senior Advisor Jared Kushner and Special Representative for International Negotiations Jason Greenblatt returned to Israel and met today with Ambassador David Friedman and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They discussed the means by which the humanitarian situation in Gaza can be alleviated, while maintaining Israel’s security. They further discussed the continued commitment of the Trump Administration …

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U.S. Presidential Delegation for Jerusalem Embassy dedication ceremony arrived in Israel a short while ago. Welcome!

המשלחת הנשיאותית האמריקאית לטקס חנוכת השגרירות בירושלים נחתה לפני זמן קצר בישראל. ברוכים הבאים! U.S. Presidential Delegation for Jerusalem Embassy dedication ceremony arrived in Israel a short while ago. Welcome!

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Memorial day יום הזכרון לחללי מערכות ישראל

ארה״ב עומדת לצד עם ישראל ומשתתפת בצער המשפחות השכולות, ביום הזכרון לחללי מערכות ישראל ונפגעי פעולות האיבה. יהי זכרם ברוך. The U.S. Stands by the people of Israel and the bereaved families in remembrance, on this Memorial day for Israel’s Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism. May Their Memories be Blessed. David M. …

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U.S. Embassy Welcomes U.S.-Israel Cooperation on Protection of Cultural Heritage

The U.S. Embassy and Ambassador David Friedman welcome the signing of a Joint Declaration of Cooperation Between the United States  Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad (CPAHA) and the Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs on the preservation of certain cultural properties. Under the declaration of cooperation, the CPAHA and Ministry of Diaspora Affairs …

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Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, prosperous, meaningful and peaceful 2018

From  President Donald J. Trump ‘s historic visit, through the nomination of Ambassador David Friedman, the visit of  USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77)  in Haifa, to the formal recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, this was our 2017. How do you think 2018 will look like? FollowingFollowing @USAmbIsrael Great year in review video released by the . Hope you all enjoy it and wishing everyone …

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Israel and the U.S. sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) allowing Israel to join USAID’s Power Africa Partnership

Israel and the U.S. sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) allowing Israel to join USAID’s Power Africa Partnership. The signing ceremony will be attended by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, U.S. Power Africa Coordinator Andrew Herscowitz, Ambassadors and representatives from several African nations, and other dignitaries. Power Africa Fact Sheet Press Release – MOU Announcement between Israel and Power Africa.

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