AJC CEO Ted Deutch today praised President Biden's nomination of Jack Lew to be the next U.S. Ambassador to Israel.
Press Releases and Statements
Find American Jewish Committee's latest press releases, official statements, and noteworthy announcements below.
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American Jewish Committee CEO Ted Deutch Praises Nomination of Jack Lew to be U.S. Ambassador to Israel
AJC Statement on Israeli Reasonableness Standard Law
American Jewish Committee (AJC) today expressed profound disappointment over the passage of the Reasonableness Standard Law in Israel.
The new law was pushed through unilaterally by the governing coalition amid deepening divisions in Israeli society as evidenced by the hundreds of thousands of Israelis who have taken to the streets. Of particular concern to AJC, the continued effort to press forward on judicial reform rather than seeking compromise has sown discord within the Israeli Defense Forces at a time of elevated threats to the Jewish homeland and has strained the vital relationship between Israel and Diaspora Jewry.
The new law was pushed through unilaterally by the governing coalition amid deepening divisions in Israeli society as evidenced by the hundreds of thousands of Israelis who have taken to the streets. Of particular concern to AJC, the continued effort to press forward on judicial reform rather than seeking compromise has sown discord within the Israeli Defense Forces at a time of elevated threats to the Jewish homeland and has strained the vital relationship between Israel and Diaspora Jewry.
American Jewish Committee CEO Ted Deutch Praises President Herzog's Speech to Congress
AJC CEO Ted Deutch issued this statement following Israeli President Isaac Herzog's address to Congress this morning:
President Herzog’s address to Congress is a potent symbol of the ironclad partnership between the U.S. and Israel and how it has transformed the Middle East. It also underscores the president’s vital role as a bridge builder, one who offers pragmatic and actionable solutions to many of the issues that confront Israel. His voice is one we need to hear more. Israel has no better emissary. I know him personally as someone whose commitment and love for his nation knows no bounds. That passion was on full display today on Capitol Hill.
President Herzog’s address to Congress is a potent symbol of the ironclad partnership between the U.S. and Israel and how it has transformed the Middle East. It also underscores the president’s vital role as a bridge builder, one who offers pragmatic and actionable solutions to many of the issues that confront Israel. His voice is one we need to hear more. Israel has no better emissary. I know him personally as someone whose commitment and love for his nation knows no bounds. That passion was on full display today on Capitol Hill.
American Jewish Committee Concerned Over New Measure Tied to Israeli Judicial Reform
American Jewish Committee (AJC) today expressed concern over the Knesset’s vote to advance a portion of the governing coalition's judicial reform effort, deepening existing divisions instead of resuming the compromise negotiations conducted by President Herzog.
Leading College Presidents in Israel for AJC Project Interchange Trip
| Project Interchange
A delegation of U.S. college presidents has arrived in Israel to exchange ideas with their counterparts in the Jewish State and forge partnerships with students and faculty from both nations, as part of a trip sponsored by Project Interchange, an educational institute of American Jewish Committee.
Israeli President Herzog Touts New Israel Diaspora Project, Tells AJC Global Forum a Compromise on Judicial Reform is Possible
Israeli President Isaac Herzog told AJC Global Forum that Israel’s relations with Diaspora Jewry are crucial to the future of the only Jewish state.
Yair Lapid Tells AJC Global Forum Israeli Democracy Alive and Well Despite Split on Judicial Reform, Says Diaspora Jewry Views Important to Israel
Speaking with Ted Deutch, CEO of American Jewish Committee (AJC) during the opening session of AJC Global Forum 2023 in Tel Aviv, Israeli Opposition Leader Yair Lapid said the battle over a proposed overhaul of Israel’s judicial system, is proof that democracy in Israel remains vibrant and an example for the world.
American Jewish Committee, Other Jewish Organizations Welcome Suspension of Israeli Judicial Overhaul Legislation
We welcome the Israeli government’s suspension of legislative consideration of judicial reform measures. The last three months have been painful to watch and yet a textbook case of democracy in action. We respect the political leaders, business executives, community activists, cultural figures, and ordinary Israelis who took to the streets, exercising their love of country, and their passion for democracy."
U.S. Mayors Visiting Israel with AJC Project Interchange to Explore, Strengthen Cooperation
A bipartisan group of U.S. mayors is visiting Israel this week with Project Interchange, an educational institute of American Jewish Committee (AJC), in partnership with The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM). The program’s intensive sessions and visits throughout the country will enable the mayors to gain a first-hand understanding of Israel’s vibrant democracy, innovative technologies, diverse society, and regional challenges. This is the fifth delegation of U.S. mayors to participate in this annual seminar.
American Jewish Committee Commends President Herzog's Efforts to Reach Judicial Reform Compromise
AJC commends Israeli President Isaac Herzog's remarkable effort to reach a resolution for the good of the State of Israel. We believe all sides should expeditiously work to forge a compromise that preserves Israel’s vibrant democracy and the principle of judicial independence on fundamental issues. The final outcome of this process should reflect the broadest possible consensus – not what is politically expedient in the short term.
Statement from AJC CEO Ted Deutch on Judicial Reform in Israel
In a call with American Jewish Committee (AJC) leaders from across the United States, AJC CEO Ted Deutch made remarks on judicial reform in Israel.
American Jewish Committee Statement on the Formation of the New Israeli Government
American Jewish Committee, the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people, congratulated incoming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on forming a new government, following the Nov. 1 elections.
American Jewish Committee Applauds Azerbaijan Decision to Open Embassy in Israel
Jewish Committee (AJC) praised the Azerbaijan government announcement today that the Shi’ite majority country will open an embassy in the Jewish state. “Azerbaijan has long been a trendsetter in relations between Israel and the Muslim world. Opening an embassy in Israel reflects close and wide-ranging Azeri-Israeli ties spanning more than three decades,” said AJC CEO Ted Deutch. “It is another example of the expanding cooperation between Israel and the Muslim world, including the historic Abraham Accords normalization agreements of 2020.”
American Jewish Committee Congratulates Benjamin Netanyahu on Election Victory
American Jewish Committee (AJC), the leading global Jewish advocacy organization, congratulates Benjamin Netanyahu, head of the Likud Party, on his election victory. “AJC looks forward to again working closely with Mr. Netanyahu to strengthen Israel’s security and place in the world, enhance the deep bonds between Israel and diaspora Jewry, and amplify the shared values that unite Israel, the United States, and our democratic allies,” said AJC CEO Ted Deutch.
American Jewish Committee Issues Statement on Israeli Election
Regardless of the composition of any governing coalition, we will continue to work with those in the Israeli government and in Israeli society who are committed to advancing democracy, inclusion, and peace, and to combating efforts to undermine these values.
Black College Presidents Arrive in Israel for Groundbreaking Trip as Part of AJC Project Interchange
| Project Interchange
A delegation of presidents from Historically Black Colleges and Universities has arrived in Israel, as part of a groundbreaking program to create new academic and research partnerships between American and Israeli universities and expand the research capacity of participant universities.
The six-day trip is hosted by AJC Project Interchange (PI), an educational institute of the American Jewish Committee, as part of new agreement with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, which supports students and programs at HBCUs.
The six-day trip is hosted by AJC Project Interchange (PI), an educational institute of the American Jewish Committee, as part of new agreement with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, which supports students and programs at HBCUs.
American Jewish Committee Flies 141 Ukrainian Jews to Israel
A plane filled with Ukrainian Jewish refugees — sponsored by American Jewish Committee (AJC) and organized by Jewish Agency for Israel — has arrived in Israel from Budapest, Hungary. “For Jews facing uncertain safety in their homes, Israel is a lifeline, a sanctuary, and a haven,” said AJC CEO David Harris. “Whether they are still living in Ukraine or have fled the violent Russian invasion to neighboring countries, these Jews know they have a home in the State of Israel, where they can build their lives anew because of the warm welcome they receive.”
AJC Project Interchange Hosts U.S. Mayors in Israel to Explore, Deepen Bilateral Cooperation
A group of American mayors is visiting Israel this week with Project Interchange, an educational institute of the American Jewish Committee (AJC). The educational seminar is the second delegation under the auspices of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) and AJC. Organized by AJC Project Interchange, the seminar is designed to further enhance U.S.-Israel relations at the important municipal level. The program’s intensive sessions and visits throughout the country will enable the mayors to gain a first-hand understanding of Israel’s vibrant democracy, diverse society, and regional challenges.
AJC Salutes Opening of Azerbaijan Diplomatic Post in Israel
American Jewish Committee (AJC) welcomes the opening today of the Azerbaijan Trade Representative Office in Tel Aviv, the first Azerbaijani diplomatic representation in Israel.
AJC Welcomes Knesset Approval of New Israeli Government
American Jewish Committee (AJC) congratulates incoming Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Alternate Prime Minister Yair Lapid on successfully forming a new government in Israel. “The new Israeli government reflects the country’s diversity and is determined to pursue peace, security, and prosperity,” said AJC CEO David Harris. “AJC looks forward to working with the new coalition, as we have consistently done with every Israeli government since 1948, and we wish the leadership every success.”