Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu met with leaders of the American Jewish community this past Friday afternoon, September 22, following the Prime Minister’s speech at the United Nations in New York.
The meeting took place at the offices of the Israeli Consulate, hosted by Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Ambassador Gilad Erdan. In attendance were Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, executive vice president, Agudath Israel of America; and Rabbi Pesach Lerner, chairman, the Eretz HaKodesh party in the WZO of Israel and president emeritus of the Coalition for Jewish Values, amongst others.
Afterwards, the Prime Minister had a special meeting in Hillcrest with Rabbi Avraham Cohen.
At the United Nations, Netanyahu delivered a speech promoting a new Middle East in a post-Abraham Accords world where hopes are high for a bilateral normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia. The Prime Minister conducted various meetings beginning with Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany where the two spoke of unwavering support for Israel’s security and a united front in addressing Iran’s actions and enhancing bilateral security cooperation, including the recent agreement on the Arrow 3 air defense system.
Later, Netanyahu thanked President Santiago Peña for Paraguay’s decision to return their embassy to Jerusalem by year’s end. At the same time, Israel will reopen its embassy in the Paraguayan capital of Asunción. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol discussed cooperation opportunities and international issues as well as innovative measures with Netanyahu. Netanyahu met President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the Turkish House where the duo committed to advancing bilateral relations in trade, economy, and energy. In a meeting with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Netanyahu recommitted to assisting with humanitarian issues, including addressing the challenge of anti-personnel mines. The Prime Minister met with the Pacific leaders of Palau, Nauru, Marshall Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Pacific Islands in a forum where he thanked them for their unwavering support for Israel and encouraged research in innovative solutions for the climate crisis affecting island nations. Also, Netanyahu spoke of excitement for Fiji and Nauru embassies slated to open in Israel. Netanyahu revealed alongside President Felix Tshisekedi that Israel will open an embassy in Kinshasa and that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will move its embassy to Jerusalem as the two nations aim to strengthen ties in agriculture, trade, security, and cyberspace.
Netanyahu and President Joe Biden, a friend for over 40 years, discussed the immense potential of an economic corridor linking Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, with Israel as a pivotal hub. The leaders share a vision for a historic peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia, a step towards ending the Arab-Israeli conflict, and fostering harmony between the Islamic world and the Jewish state. Additionally, the presidents remain united in preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, through credible military threats and sanctions, while supporting the Iranian people who seek a brighter future. Netanyahu said that Israel’s commitment to democracy remains steadfast, and noted that the US and Israel can together forge a safer, prosperous future for our region and the world.
Before arriving in New York, Netanyahu spoke with Elon Musk about harnessing the opportunities and mitigating the risks of AI for the good of civilization. Netanyahu got a firsthand experience of Tesla’s highly anticipated Cybertruck during the visit. This unique encounter occurred as Tesla intensifies production and testing of the Cybertruck in Texas, offering viewers an exclusive look at the vehicle as it approaches its delivery phase.
In New York, Netanyahu spoke with former Google CEO Eric Schmidt on innovation and the global impact of AI. Schmidt will join Israel’s AI advisory forum.
Significantly, Netanyahu reconnected while gleaning insights from the vast experience and wisdom of longtime friend of Israel Henry Kissinger, a Jewish refugee from Nazi Germany who served as United States Secretary of State and National Security Advisor under the presidential administrations of Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.
Meanwhile, his wife Sara represented Israel with honor at a reception hosted by US First Lady Dr. Jill Biden discussing children’s rights, women empowerment, and the challenges facing our youth. Sara also met with leaders’ spouses from Turkey, Ukraine, Cyprus, Greece, amongst others bringing the message, “As women, we have the power to effect change, especially for the well-being of children.”
On Thursday evening, September 21, a rally was held in support of Israel’s democratically-elected government. The gathering, led by fellow Jewish and anti-terror organizations, was held across from in Midtown East, near where the Prime Minister stayed. Supporters including Dr. Paul Brody, a Great Neck activist, and Lawrence Knobel, who rallied with a vocal crowd in support of Israel and Netanyahu. The rally counteracted a protest against Netanyahu and the judicial overhaul that was held on the adjacent corner. Morton Klein, president of Zionist Organization of America, explained that it is important to show our support for Israel and its democratically-elected government and prime minister. They were under attack throughout United Nations Week by billionaire-funded far-left groups that seek to undermine the results of Israel’s democratic elections while falsely claiming to be for democracy and by Palestine/Arab hate groups that seek Israel’s annihilation.
URJ, O.U., Agudath Israel, ZOA, ADL, National Council of Jewish Women, Hadassah, Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, American Israel Public Affairs Committee, Jewish Federations of North America, and the Conservative movement all joined the Friday meeting.