The American Jewish Committee (AJC) led congratulation for the new Israeli envoy to Washington Ron Dermer following his appointment by Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu Tuesday, in a statement in which it expressed confidence the ambassador would “continue the ongoing efforts of the Israeli government and embassy to further strengthen the vital bonds between the US and Israel”.
Netanyahu announced the appointment of his former senior advisor Dermer to the coveted post to succeed outgoing US envoy Michael Oren, after confirming his departure from the post Sunday. Explaining his choice of the ex-economic attaché at the Israeli embassy in Washington, Netanyahu said he had''all the qualities necessary to succzessfully fill this important post.'' ''I know that Ron will faithfully represent the State of Israel in the capital of our greatest ally- theUSA. On behalf of the citizens of Israel I wish him great success,'' he added.
Acknowledging the end of Oren’s four-year term in Washington at the weekly cabinet meeting Sunday, the Israeli PM characterised his service as “excellent”. “Michael has been an exemplary ambassador and has done very, very important work, which I’m certain will be continued by his replacement,” he added.
The AJC echoed Netanyahu’s praise of Oren as “exemplary”, further praising his “effective and passionate” representation of the Jewish State in Washington, throughout last year’s presidential election campaign which saw returning Democrat candidate Barack Obama charged with failing to prioritise America’s historic close ties with Israel.
“He has contributed in countless ways to widening and deepening the mutually beneficial ties between the US 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,” added AJC Executive Director David Harris.
US-born Middle East historian and author Oren had brought “a very deep and personal understanding of the United States and American society, as will his successor,” concluded Harris.
Meanwhile, the Conference of Presidents Chairman Robert G. Sugarman and Vice Chairman Malcolm Hoenlein issued a joint statement heralding its long-standing “close working and personal relationship” with the incoming envoy, as they looked to him to “strengthen the bond at all levels between these two great democratic allies” Israel and the US. “As an articulate and knowledgeable representative of the State of Israel he will be able to present Israel’s case to the Administration, Congress, and American people as Ambassador Oren did so effectively,” concluded the official comment.
Zionist Organisation of America (ZOA) president Morton A. Klein similarly congratulated Netanyahu on his choice of candidate, whom he described as “one of the most brilliant, eloquent, and wise spokesmen for Israel I have ever known or heard”.
“There’s not an issue Ron Dermer doesn’t understand to its innermost depths. There’s not an issue he doesn’t know how to respond to and explain in an effective and sophisticated way. He is always careful and judicious and respectful. His insights into America and Israel are without peer. Add to all this his extraordinary writing and oratorical skills, and you have a superb diplomat and spokesman for Israel,” he added.
US-born Dermer has previously worked as a political consultant for Jewish Agency head Natan Sharansky, as well as co-authoring a best-selling book 'The Case for Democracy: The Power of Freedom to Overcome Tyranny and Terror' with him in 2004, which was publicly endorsed by then US president George W Bush. Oren will leave his post in Autumn 2013.