For Immediate Release                                                             Contact:

July 10, 2013                                                                           Roslyn Singer, 212-613-8227

EXPRESSES APPRECIATION FOR AMBASSADOR MICHAEL OREN

In reaction to the announcement by Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu appointing Ron Dermer as Israel’s new ambassador to the United States―succeeding Hon. Michael Oren, who recently announced he will step down from that post in September―the following statement was issued by Nathan Diament, the Orthodox Union’s Executive Director for Public Policy:

“The Orthodox Union wishes a hearty ‘mazal tov’ to Ron Dermer upon his appointment as Israeli Ambassador to the United States. We have deeply appreciated how accessible Ron has been to the OU leadership during his tenure as Prime Minister Netanyahu’s senior adviser, meeting with us often in Jerusalem and being available for consultations at critical moments. We appreciate Ron’s core commitment to Israel’s security and welfare as well as to Israel’s role as the homeland to the global Jewish people and embodiment of Jewish values. We expect he will be an impactful ambassador in Washington as he enjoys the Prime Minister’s confidence as well as deep knowledge of American values and interests. We look forward to continuing to work with Ron Dermer in the service of Israel and the Jewish people.”

“Furthermore, the Orthodox Union expresses its ‘hakarat hatov’ and deep appreciation to H.E. Michael Oren, with whom we have been pleased to work closely with since his arrival in Washington. Amb. Oren has been an exemplary and effective representative of Medinat Yisrael to her greatest ally as the Jewish state confronted many challenges. Throughout his tenure, Amb. Oren deployed his keen intellect and diplomatic talent in quiet, confidential conversations as well as through public diplomacy in the pages of major American newspapers and on television. In addition to Amb. Oren’s critical engagement with American officials, he meaningfully engaged with American Jewry in our synagogues, schools and communities and drew our people even closer together in the bonds of brotherhood. We wish Amb. Oren, and his dear wife Sally, our warmest wishes upon their return to the Holy Land.”