AJC’s Asia Pacific Institute (API) strives to help Israel, the U.S., and the global Jewish community strengthen relations with Indonesia, the fourth-largest country in the world and the country with the world’s largest Muslim population.
AJC’s Asia Pacific Institute (API), which makes regular visits to Japan and has a representative based in Tokyo, has deep historic ties to the country and to the Japanese-American community.
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs honored American Jewish Committee (AJC) CEO David Harris with its prestigious Foreign Minister Commendation, one of Japan's highest honors presented to foreign citizens.
“Steadfast defense of democratic values and unwavering commitment to friendship with the United States and Israel are hallmarks of your leadership, and models for other nations to emulate,” said AJC CEO David Harris, who presented the award to the Prime Minister in Tokyo. “Japan is a democratic powerhouse in Asia, an essential ally and partner of the United States, a close friend of Israel, and an anchor of stability in a vital part of the world.”
Four years ago, I set out to New Delhi for what promised to be an exciting tenure as Ambassador of Israel to India. My service as the head of MASHAV (Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation) prior to this posting had introduced me to the potential of the growing partnership between India and Israel through development. As ambassador, I soon learned just how strong and diverse the bond between our countries really is.