Today, the leadership of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (“Orthodox Union”)—the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization—issued the following statement in the wake of President Trump’s announcement of an agreement between the State of Israel and the United Arab Emirates to establish “full normalization of relations.”

“Today at the White House, President Trump announced an agreement between leaders of the State of Israel and the United Arab Emirates for the full normalization of relations between these two countries.  The leadership of the Orthodox Union welcomes this historic announcement. The long overdue normalization of relations between Israel and Arab states is important not only for the security and stability of Israel, but for the people of the Mideast region at large. Today’s announcement is a significant step toward isolating regimes and forces of extremism in the region.

“The Orthodox Union appreciates the determined leadership exerted by President Trump and his key aides—including Secretary Pompeo, Secretary Mnuchin, Ambassador Friedman, and the Hons. Jared Kushner, Robert O’Brien, Brian Hook, Avi Berkowitz and other officials—to forge and facilitate this historic agreement.”