Washington, D.C. — Today, The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (Orthodox Union), the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, applauded the Biden Administration’s announcement admitting Israel into the U.S. Visa Waiver program. 

This important policy change will allow Israeli citizens to travel freely to the U.S. without a visa, demonstrating the strength of the U.S.-Israel relationship and its importance to both countries. 

The Orthodox Union had the privilege to work with many leading Jewish organizations that advocated for the inclusion of Israel into this program. 

Orthodox Union Executive Vice President Rabbi Moshe Hauer said: 

“Israel and America have an enduring relationship built on their shared democratic values and continue to grow their cooperation in military, diplomatic, technological, and economic matters. The admission of Israel into the Visa Waiver Program reaffirms that unique bond while delivering a meaningful, practical benefit, enabling greater connection between the citizens of both countries.” 

Orthodox Union Executive Director for Public Policy, Nathan Diament said: 

“This diplomatic step forward by current leadership underlines the strength of the U.S.-Israel partnership. We are thankful to President Biden, Secretary of State Tony Blinken, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides, and the many other officials in the U.S. – and Israel – who worked to achieve this historic milestone. Our countries have much to gain from continued cooperation, and we look forward to expanding ties for the benefit of all Americans and Israelis.”

About OU:
Founded in 1898, the Orthodox Union is the largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization in the United States. Through a wide array of programs, the OU works to support the flourishing of Jewish life and observance. Among other initiatives, the OU has been a leader in Jewish community security – spearheading the creation and annual funding of the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program and many state-funded security grant programs as well as a key conduit for Orthodox Jewish community relations with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.