The order of these days is unmistakable. We begin by marking one of the darkest times in Jewish history; we move onto recall our fellow Israelis who fought in valor to uphold Israel’s ideals of freedom and democracy and those Israelis who fell victim to terrorism, finally, we celebrate the result of the blood, sweat and tears of millions of Jews worldwide – a dedicated safe haven for the Jewish people, a place to call home, a Jewish State – the State of Israel.  

Looking back at these solemn and jubilant days in April one element of all these events remains deeply with me – the steadfast support and partnership of the Jewish and Christian communities in the area.

Throughout my 30 years in the Foreign Service I have worked on four different continents and lead many incredible teams; nowhere on Earth are the people as intimately connected to Israel as in the United States. 

Our bond is decidedly rooted in our shared moral compass – the Torah, the Bible. As the centuries-old tree of knowledge and freedom continues to flourish in the United States, so does the sapling in Israel – fragile in its infancy, yet robust in its growth.   The Israeli sapling is now baring its first fruit and Israelis are excited to share the harvest with the United States.

 The United States, Israel’s ultimate ally, sustains and supports through military expenditures. Americans boost Israelis through business investment and tourism. 

Today, after 65 years of Independence, the small country of Israel is proving to be a great partner to the United States not only militarily, but economically, academically and culturally.

 Israel is a world leader in healthcare technology, emergency preparedness and green and renewable energy.  American powerhouse corporations like Apple, Google, Intel, IBM and HP have chosen to tap into Israel’s entrepreneurial spirit by establishing R&D centers in Israel. 

Likewise, Israeli companies such as Given Imaging, Delek Incorporated and Amdocs have established headquarters in the southeastern United States.

Also in the Southeast, Israeli professors are leading studies at Emory University, Duke and Georgia Tech.  Georgia Tech and Israel’s Technion recently initiated a major collaboration in start-up engineering.  University of Georgia and Haifa University are teaming together in Public Health. These are just a few examples of academic cooperation in our region.

Culturally, our two nations are profoundly intertwined in dance, music and art.  Like Americans, Israelis seek to understand the deeper meanings of life and are encouraged to express themselves openly and freely.  We are seeing great cultural dialogues take place. The Atlanta Ballet is taking part in a three-year collaboration with famous Israeli choreographer Ohad Naharin. Naharin’s avant-​garde dance method called “Gaga” is being taught to the entire Atlanta Ballet ensemble.  The cast will perform three of Naharin’s pieces.

It is no wonder I witnessed so much affection and care for Israel from so many Americans over the past several weeks.  We are like-minded people cherishing the same inalienable rights.   

I am honored to represent Israel here in the United States.