JERUSALEM—‘’Israel has never been in a better place, security-wise and economically,’’ former ambassador of Israel to the United States, Michael Oren, told a conference of around 150 Jewish journalists from around the world who gathered in Jerusalem.
“This is an opportunity in Israel’s international relations and we are in a unique position. This is the friendliest US administration since 1948, from the President through the Secretary of State and the Ambassador to the UN. This is a rare opportunity for us even if it is a small window. If we want to advance peace, we must utilize the good connection with the American administration,” said Oren, currently member of the Knesset for the Kulanu party and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office.
He added: “The President wants to advance the peace plan, even if it is difficult for both sides. Israel has never been in a better place, security-wise and economically. This is the moment to take a step forward and thus also solve problems such as BDS.”
The 4-day International Jewish Media Summit gathers journalists, bloggers and opinion-makers who cover Israel and Judaism from various angles and together receive exposure to hundreds of millions of followers on social media.
Nitzan Chen, Director of the Government Press Office (GPO) said at the opening session : “The past year saw difficult and complex moments between Israel and global communities.”
He added: “It is not a given that 150 journalists would take time to come. We appreciate the effort and hope that this summit will be productive through the holding of respectful discussions. This past year saw difficult and complex moments between Israel and the global communities. While the stones of Jerusalem seem different when seen from different angles and at different times, the differences that also represent us as a people do not come at the expense of unity.”
This third conference of Jewish media is led by the GPO in cooperation with the Diaspora Affairs Ministry, the Foreign Ministry and the Jerusalem and Heritage Affairs Ministry. Ways to strenghtening relations between Israel and the Diaspora is one of the major topics that will be debated.
The summit is being held this year under the keynote of 70 years of the establishment of the State of Israel.
Participants will meet Diaspora Affairs Minister Naftali Bennett, President Reuven Rivlin and Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein.
Among the summit participants are bloggers who cover Israel and Judaism from various angles including culinary, culture, education and others. These are leading bloggers who together receive exposure to millions of followers on social media. Also participating are Jewish journalists from the US, Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, Greece, Canada, Hong Kong, Armenia, Georgia, South Africa, Poland, Mexico, Russia, Brazil and Ukraine.