In celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, join American Jewish Committee (AJC) and Ryan Lavarnway, 15-year Major League Baseball catcher and Team Israel veteran, for a live recording of AJC’s podcast, People of the Pod.
A few years ago, when our children were born, we made a decision about how to live in Israel as a state where reality demands acquaintance between Arabs and Jews, understanding and mutual respect. We’ve decided: our children will live as loyal citizens, who belong to the land, the country, the state and the flag.
Former President Sebastián Piñera won Chile’s presidential election on Sunday, December 17. His triumph demonstrates a turn towards the center-right in a region that has been dominated by leftist movements for over a decade. In 2012, Piñera became the first Chilean president to visit Israel, a fact that sets great expectations for the future of bilateral cooperation.
At the forefront of Israeli innovation, Matnat Chaim ("Gift of Life") took center stage as a remarkable organization. Led by Rachel Heber, chair of Matnat Chaim, the organization has made significant strides in promoting and facilitating organ donation in Israel.
This day will be remembered, above all, for another celebration – the transfer of the American Embassy from Tel Aviv to its rightful place in Jerusalem. I am in Israel’s capital city to join in the festivities and express appreciation, on behalf of the nonpartisan American Jewish Committee (AJC), to the Trump administration for its bold decision.