For many years, we
have become accustomed to seeing the United Nations as an institution full of
lies, distortions and half-truths that our adversaries have unleashed on the
world. But the arrival of Ambassador Haley has ushered in a new era in the
halls of the UN.
Ambassador Haley was not afraid to be in the minority, to
withstand the criticism in the pursuit of the truth. She brought change to the
Security Council by voting against proposals that condemned Israel, by ending
the automatic support for Abu Mazen's unilateral moves and by issuing a clear
call to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. All were a part of her
vigorous efforts in support of the State of Israel.
It was a period of
real change when the habits of issuing falsehoods were replaced by the pursuit
of truth. A time when Iran's regional ambition, Hamas’ terrorism and the
Palestinian Authority’s lies were exposed to the world.
I am proud to say that part of this is the result of the
cooperation between Ambassador Haley and myself. The connection that we forged
between our delegations led to many achievements, some of which I have
enumerated here, and to building a common policy in many other respects.
I also had the honor of accompanying Ambassador Haley on her
first visit to Israel and showing her the beauty and uniqueness of the State of
Israel. I have no doubt that the visit helped her learn about our country on
different levels and about the unique threats we face.
To Nikki, I say:
Thank you.
Thank you on behalf of the State of Israel and the Jewish
people. Thank you for advancing the values of democracy, equality and peace.
Thank you, personally, for your friendship and for your work
that has put you on the right side of history.
Danny Danon is Israel's ambassador the United Nations. This is based
on the text of the speech the ambassador gave.