During a fascinating lecture that lasted more than an hour, Oren described the close ties between Israel and the United States and told of his experiences during his tenure as Israel's ambassador in Washington.
Historian and former Israeli ambassador to the United States, Dr. Michael Oren, spoke yesterday (Monday) about the relations between Israel and the United States as part of the 3rd US & International Diamond Week.
The lecture was held at the Cullinan restaurant, with Oren introduced by IDE President Shmuel Schnitzer. Also attending was guest of honor of the Diamond Week, Roberto Coin, and senior members of the Israeli diamond industry, members of the IDE, and buyers from abroad.
Schnitzer welcomed the participants, saying: "The second day of the show has ended, and the atmosphere is good and people are satisfied. The volume of transactions rose significantly with the arrival of members of the U.S. delegation that includes DDC President Reuven Kaufman, and more than 80 buyers.
"At the Israel Diamond Week in New York last December, Israeli ambassador to the UN, Ron Prosor, gave a lecture to the participants. So, in return, we have invited the Israeli ambassador to the United States in the past, Michael Oren, to speak here today."
Oren spoke of the historical basis for the close relationship between the two countries, the place of the Bible as a cultural bridge of immense importance between the Jewish people and the U.S. and what happens behind the scenes of diplomacy and the special relationship that are not revealed in the media.
Oren spoke of the tremendous support for Israel among the American public, saying that the reasons for this positive attitude was deeply rooted in the history of the Puritans who emigrated to the United States 300 years ago.
He also spoke of the efforts of the United States to establish a Jewish state in Israel, the cultural parallels between the countries, the U.S.-Israel military strategic alliance, the differences of opinion regarding the status of Jerusalem and the settlements, and on dealing with the Iranian threat, and long-term imprisonment of Jonathan Pollard.
