Rep. Eliot Engel Receives AJC Congressional Leadership Award

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Jan 14, 2019, 21:24 ET

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- AJC, the nonpartisan global advocacy organization, presented its Congressional Leadership Award to Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY) for his abiding dedication to promoting U.S. global leadership.

"AJC is proud to have worked with you throughout your tenure in Congress to advance democratic values for all, and looks forward to our continued cooperation in the years ahead," said AJC President John Shapiro. "In New York, Washington, and around the world, you have been a valued partner in building more just societies. You are a passionate voice for American leadership in the world, a steadfast friend of the U.S.-Israel relationship and the Jewish people, and a strong advocate for the vital ties between the U.S. and Latin America."

Engel, who has served in the House since 1989, is the new Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. "Congress has an important role to play in foreign policy, and I'm committed to making sure we live up to those responsibilities," Engel said after he was unanimously elected chair this month. "Diplomacy and development are critical to our national security."

AJC's Congressional Leadership Award recognizes outstanding leadership and extraordinary accomplishment in the United States Congress. Recipients of this award have demonstrated a commitment to global human rights and political and religious freedom, as well as friendship toward Israel and the Jewish people. Past recipients include Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, Mark Kirk, Tom Lantos, John Lewis, Joe Lieberman, Richard Lugar, John McCain, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and Chris Smith.

The award was presented to Engel at the Mexican Cultural Institute during the AJC National Leadership Council meetings in Washington, D.C. More than 100 diplomats from dozens of countries, including nearly 40 ambassadors, as well as many current and former U.S. officials, were in attendance. Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer was among the speakers paying tribute to Engel.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee