Woodsburgh resident confirmed as envoy to Israel

David Friedman aims to tighten bond with Jewish state

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Woodsburgh resident and North Woodmere native David Friedman was confirmed 52-46 by the U.S. Senate on Thursday to be the ambassador to Israel.

Two Democrats – Bob Menendez of New Jersey and Joe Manchin – voted along with every Senate Republican for confirmation.

Friedman, 57, was nominated by President Donald Trump in December to be envoy to the Jewish state. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 12-9 in favor of his confirmation on March 9.

At his confirmation hearing on Feb. 16, Friedman said that he will aim to advance the U.S.’s interests by strengthening its relationship with Israel and labor “tirelessly” for peace and stability in the Middle East.

“I will bring to this mission a deep understanding of Israel’s history, culture, geography, commerce and politics, developed over a lifetime of study and at least 50 visits to this extraordinary country,” he said on Feb. 16.

The new ambassador then noted that his skill set honed over 35 years as a bankruptcy lawyer includes resolving multi-lateral disputes involving complex transactions. He also said that he has “an unshakeable commitment to advance our national interests,” the ability to connect with Israelis and a strong familiarity with Hebrew.

Friedman, and his wife Tammy, have been married 36 years. They have five children and seven grandchildren.