Hempstead town dedicates Woodmere plaza to Israel envoy

Woodsburgh resident and former ambassador to Israel David Friedman was recognized for his four years (2017 to 2021) as the United States envoy to the Jewish state as the Town of Hempstead dedicated Woodmere Plaza at 1044 Franklin Place in Woodmere and unveiled a street sign “Ambassador David M. Friedman Way” in his honor on Tuesday.

Friedman, a lifelong Five Towns resident who grew up in North Woodmere, is considered instrumental in moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem in 2018, was outspoken against the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement and played a pivotal role in many pro-Israel, pro-peace initiatives. The BDS movement is a Palestinian-led protest against Israel.  

Friedman’s father was Rabbi Morris Friedman, who led Temple Hillel in North Woodmere for 33 years. The synagogue and the Friedman house hosted President Ronald Reagan in 1984. Friedman was nominated in December 2016 by then President-elect Donald Trump to be the ambassador to Israel. Friedman confirmed by the U.S. Senate in March 2017.

Town Supervisor Don Clavin, Councilmen Bruce Blakeman and Anthony D’Esposito, along with several local community, elected and religious leaders helped to dedicate the plaza to Friedman.