April 4, 2024 — New York, NY
American Jewish Committee (AJC) leadership this week traveled to Israel on the organization’s third such mission in solidarity with the people of Israel in the wake of Hamas’ October 7 terror attack.
As a special joint delegation of Jewish Diaspora leadership, AJC was joined by representatives from the European Jewish Congress, including its President, Dr. Ariel Muzicant, and leaders from the Jewish communities of France, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Italy, Lithuania, and Austria.
The group met with a range of key government officials, including Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant; Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer; U.S. Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew; Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana; Leader of the Opposition MK Yair Lapid; Leader of the United Arab List MK Mansour Abbas; Chair of Foreign Affairs and Defense Subcommittee for Foreign Policy and Public Diplomacy MK Zeev Elkin; and Head of Foreign Relations Branch of COGAT Lt. Col. Yotam Schaffer. Topics discussed included the situation in Gaza and on the northern border, Israel’s international relations, humanitarian aid coordination, Israel’s plans for the “day after” in Gaza, domestic developments in Israeli society, and the experience of Jewish communities abroad since October 7.
“Our purpose on this solidarity mission was clear – to reiterate to the Israeli people that they are not alone in not only their fight against Hamas but also in grieving and rebuilding after the horrific events of October 7,” said AJC CEO Ted Deutch, “We were grateful to be joined by the European Jewish Congress during this mission as we work together as a Diaspora community to ensure support for Israel in the United States and abroad. Meeting with Israelis this week – survivors, hostage families, aid volunteers, and young adults in the military – I was once again reminded of the incredible strength and resiliency of the Israeli people in the face of such loss and terror. Am Yisrael Chai.”
“For the EJC and its Presidium to join AJC on this mission was an important signal and symbol,” said President of the European Jewish Congress Dr. Ariel Muzicant. “In the aftermath of October 7, it is vital for the entire Diaspora to showcase our solidarity with Israel and to underscore the imperative need for ongoing dialogue among all segments of the Diaspora and Israel. This initiative has been a vivid reminder that diversity brings about strength.”
The group also met with families of hostages, as in AJC’s previous solidarity missions, and visited Kibbutz Be’eri and the Nova music festival site – both scenes of atrocity, murder, and kidnapping on October 7 – and Tel Aviv’s “hostage square,” along with additional sites of importance, such as the Nitzana border crossing, where Israel is facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
“Six months ago, AJC made a promise to do everything we can to help bring the hostages home. Since then, our staff has worked around the clock to bring families of hostages to meet with officials in Washington and overseas. We will not rest until all of the hostages being held captive by Hamas are returned home,” said AJC President Michael Tichnor.
AJC was the first American Jewish organization to establish a full-time office in Israel, nearly 60 years ago. Today, AJC Jerusalem serves as a thriving base for AJC’s activities in the Jewish state and is led by Lt. Col. (res.) Avital Leibovich.
AJC is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people. With headquarters in New York, 25 offices across the United States, 14 overseas posts, as well as partnerships with 38 Jewish community organizations worldwide, AJC’s mission is to enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel and to advance human rights and democratic values in the United States and around the world. For more, please visit www.ajc.org
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