David Friedman was officially sworn in as U.S. ambassador to Israel last Wednesday.
Vice President Mike Pence conducted the swearing-in and describe it as “one of the clearest signs” of President Donald Trump’s strong commitment to the Jewish state.
“The president of the United States of America is a lifelong friend of Israel and the Jewish people and, under his leadership, if the world knows nothing else the world will know this: America stands with Israel,” Pence said.
Friedman—Trump’s former bankruptcy attorney—had encountered significant opposition from Democrats and some liberal Jewish organizations following his nomination for the role, due to his anti-two state and pro-settlement stance as well as his strong-worded criticism of left-wing Jewish activists. His confirmation by the U.S. Senate last week came after a highly contentious debate.
Yet Friedman’s nomination was roundly applauded in February by more than 70 evangelical Christian leaders, who issued a letter backing his candidacy.
Friedman is the first of Trump’s ambassadorial candidates to be sworn in to office.
Originally posted at JNS.
