Envoy to Israel visits HAFTR

David Friedman, who is the new U.S. ambassador, came to the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway High School on April 28. Friedman has a lifetime of history with HAFTR. A graduate of the Hebrew Institute of Long Island, which was known as HILI, merged with Hillel to form HAFTR, he is the father of four graduates and his daughter, Katie, is a HAFTR freshman. An active school leader, the Woodsburgh resident served as chairman of HAFTR’s board.

Friedman discussed his appointment and what he hopes to accomplish during his tenure. He noted that being picked to be the envoy to the Jewish state, demonstrates the high priority the Trump Administration places on its relationship with Israel. The ambassador said that President Donald Trump’s foreign policy team recognizes Israel’s role as a democracy in the Middle East and strongly supports the administration’s “deeply held commitment” to Israel and establishing peace in the region.

He said he is honored to represent the U.S. and wants to help strengthen the bond between the nations. Friedman responded to a question posed by a student, and said that support for the Jewish state is a bipartisan issue, and added that he continues to speak with both democrats and Republicans.