Celebrating brave honesty for US – Israel relations – and saying a simple thank you!

Carter’s decision in 1978 was rejected and revised by President Reagan in 1981. Obama’s dangerous policy has been in place for one long decade and now the US has set the record straight. Thanks to honest leadership from Ambassador Friedman’s team to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, backed of course by POTUS – the world has had a glimpse at leadership unafraid to tell the truth. To get the quotes straight, watch the Sec’y’s short remarks here: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/secretary-of-state-mike-pompeo-announces-reversal-on-west-bank-settlements/ and a good analysis, one of many, here: https://www.israelhayom.com/opinions/pompeos-statement-on-israeli-settlements-is-a-diplomatic-turning-point/.

I want to thank our wonderful Yes! Israel teams and friends whom we’ve put together over the years, working tirelessly behind the scenes – which mainly translates to: “Get very little credit for all the hard work” – collating materials, framing the argument, raising funds to disseminate the messages effectively in trips to Israel and to DC – and creating the relationships that connect people and get us listening to one another.

The current US Administration continues to prove that this is the time for us here in Israel to put our arguments into gear, and work to bring them to fruition, with a fair, brilliant, open friend in the White House and a Congress that not only has our back but wants to know what more can be done to promote our joint ideals. This extends from moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem, to recognizing Israel’s policy on the Golan Heights and the Jordan Valley, and now for our stand on ‘settlements’, or as we honestly say: Jewish communities in all parts of our land. Not an easy issue to tackle or to explain, to be honest, but with open lines and knowledgable partners, the US and Israel can truly say we are on the same page, aligning our interests and doing what is right for both our countries.

From DC to Jerusalem:
After a long night of our team’s efforts to thank those who play pivotal roles in forming these policies, we took stock and are looking ahead. But first, below is an example of an email to some of our influential, well-connected friends in the US.

A second round of communication went out to our contacts at the highest levels of government here in Israel, from active Knesset members to Cabinet members and the PM’s office, as well as think tanks and other engaged activists. This time we brought a reminder of whom to thank in their public statements and how to privately reach out to thank friends in the US Administration as well. The DC-J’m axis is alive and well.

That’s me just getting past the police block, while PM Netanyahu’s helicopter lands almost literally in my backyard:

And here’s our Gush Etzion Mayor, Shlomo Neeman, discussing security and building with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Schoolchildren were calling out behind us the whole time, Bibi, Bibi… What a country – at least here our youth want to emulate leaders who are real, not from the movies or social media stars. On Bibi’s visit in the wake of the US decision, and on the verge of running out of time to form a government in this round: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/271907

When the statements and visits die down, what’s left is new policy and the chance to work with it. Ariel University, in the Shomron, which has been boycotted and abandoned by ‘open-minded’ academic institutions and scholarship programs will be revisited. Economic policies such as the unfortunately misguided EU decision to force labeling of Israeli produce, perhaps the impetus for the timing of Sec’y Pompeo’s statement, can be challenged and reversed in US circles. Now we will get down to the business of reviewing and retargeting policy-effects – join us in this effort, each in their position. Write us a response here so we know you’re on board, and we’ll be in touch with our teams in action!

Best regards on this celebratory day, thanking God and friends for telling the truth –

Ruthie & Sarah

Please share comments and upcoming Middle-East focused activity so we can weigh in and provide insight that can help better inform and advocate for our joint interests…