AJC Welcomes Appointment of Ron Dermer as New Israeli Envoy to U.S.

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Jul 09, 2013, 03:18 ET

NEW YORK, July 9, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC, the global Jewish advocacy organization, congratulates Ron Dermer on his appointment as Israel's Ambassador to the United States. Dermer, who has served most recently as senior advisor to Prime Minister Netanyahu, will succeed Ambassador Michael Oren later this year.

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"We have met with Ron Dermer numerous times during our frequent visits to Jerusalem," said AJC Executive Director David Harris. "No doubt, he will continue the ongoing efforts of the Israeli government and embassy to further strengthen the vital bonds between the U.S. and Israel. We have every confidence he will succeed."

AJC has worked closely with Ambassador Oren since he came to the Israeli Embassy in Washington four years ago.

"Ambassador Oren has been an exemplary, effective and passionate representative of the State of Israel," said AJC Executive Director David Harris. "He has contributed in countless ways to widening and deepening the mutually beneficial ties between the U.S. and Israel, and to advancing the American people's appreciation of Israeli society, of Israel's manifold contributions to America's well-being, and of Israel's enduring quest for peace and security."

Oren, an accomplished Middle East historian, author of five books and numerous articles in the American media, was appointed ambassador by Prime Minister Netanyahu in 2009. Born in New Jersey, he moved to Israel after completing his education at Columbia and Princeton universities.

"Ambassador Oren has brought to this most critical position, as Israel's chief envoy in the U.S., a very deep and personal understanding of the United States and American society, as will his successor," Harris said. "The Israeli ambassador in Washington is far more than an interlocutor with the Administration and Congress. Often called upon to meet with groups that are representative of America's diversity, Ambassador Oren has consistently and eloquently made the case for Israel. In so doing, he has had an indelible impact on the vital U.S.-Israel bridge, as well as the link between Israel and American Jewry."

SOURCE American Jewish Committee