ZOA Congratulates Fmr. VP Pence, Amb. Friedman on Honorary Doctorates from Ariel University

Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) National President Morton A. Klein released the following statement:

The ZOA congratulates former Vice President Mike Pence and former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Melech Friedman on their receiving honorary doctorates from Ariel University in Samaria, Israel last week. (I strongly recommend reading Friedman’s great new book “Sledgehammer,” magnificently detailing how breaking with the old ineffective ideas is bringing peace deals with more Arab states…ZOA is proud to have given Amb. Friedman our “Dr. Miriam & Sheldon G. Adelson Award” at our national Gala and the “Zionist Hero Award” at our Florida Gala, where Friedman stated that the ZOA audience’s powerful and earnest response to his words about his hopes to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem inspired and motivated him to work even harder toward that goal…I’m also proud to say I sit on Ariel University’s Board of Governors.)

Both men richly deserve this honor for their diplomatic achievements enhancing the U.S.-Israel relationship; promoting U.S.-Israeli academic and scientific cooperation – including at Ariel University; respecting Israel’s rights, including the Jewish people’s rights to Israel’s eternal undivided capital Jerusalem and Judea/Samaria; countering threats from the Islamic Republic of Iran; and furthering peace between Israel and Arab nations. Both men have continued their important work even after leaving public office. For instance, Ambassador Friedman urged Israeli Minister of Justice Gideon Sa’ar to stand strong, and helped stave off the Biden administration’s plan to open a divisive consulate in Jerusalem for Palestinian Arabs – which would have undermined Jerusalem’s status as Israel’s undivided capital….(Excerpts from ZOA.ORG)