Today, following the narrow confirmation of David Friedman as United States Ambassador to Israel, Daniel Sokatch, CEO of the New Israel Fund (NIF), released the following statement:

“David Friedman may have just been confirmed to serve as the new U.S. ambassador to Israel, but anybody following his confirmation process can see that his extreme ultra-nationalist views have been repudiated. There is no other way to explain the overwhelming objections from the American Jewish community, from scholars, and from the retired American diplomatic corps. There is no other way to explain his last-minute disavowal of almost everything he has ever claimed to believe in during his confirmation hearing.

“We’re not fooled by his recent statements. Friedman’s political values are crystal clear: his actions and words have demonstrated a long-standing alignment with the ultra-nationalist extreme of the Israeli government, and strong support for the settler movement he has funded and championed throughout his life.

“This is a danger to the two-state solution, and his appointment may signal the end of the era in which America has taken seriously its responsibility to defend human rights and to promote democracy in Israel and in the region.

“The New Israel Fund and our grantees have been at the forefront of movements opposing the occupation, and for decades have helped move Israel toward democracy and equality for all Israelis. With Friedman as the top American representative in Israel, the need for our work just became that much clearer.”

For interviews with Sokatch or additional information, please contact Sharon Goldtzvik: [email protected] / 202.500.6362.