On December 14, the House of Representatives passed H.R.3099 413-13, through the National Defense Authorization Act of 2024 (NDAA). Introduced by Representatives Ritchie Torres (D-Bronx) and Mike Lawler (R-Westchester/Rockland), this legislation creates a new ambassador-level Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords.
Once signed by President Biden, the legislation will require the State Department to establish a Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords and other agreements. The Special Envoy would be responsible for coordinating on behalf of the U.S. government with regional ambassadors, nongovernmental organizations, and other stakeholders to strengthen and expand the Accords.
On December 22, Torres and Israel’s Consul General Aviv Ezra were the special guests at SAR’s daily “Tefilot on the Steps.”
Ezra said: “I have the honor of coming here today to represent the State of Israel, the government of Israel, the people of Israel and bringing greetings on behalf of the State of Israel. I know feelings in Israel are very gloomy. We are in the midst of the war defending ourselves and making sure our hostages will come back home.
“There are three things Hamas miscalculated when they came after Israelis and Jews. The first is they thought Israelis are not united. They thought they can come after Israel because they’re not resilient enough. They are proven wrong now because Israel is united and resilient and will push back against any attacks.
“No. 2, they miscalculated the fact that we have a strong mishpacha. … Rabbi, what you’re doing right here creating this mishpacha is a big miscalculation of Hamas. They don’t know how much strength and confidence we’re receiving from you.
“They also miscalculated that behind the State of Israel, there is the strongest superpower, the leader of the free world, called America, standing right behind the State of Israel. That leadership comes from voices pushing forward to what we call the Peace Avenue, which we want to pursue.
“This is what Israel has been doing in the last 75 years. We have peace accords with Egypt, Jordan, the Gulf countries, Morocco and many more. All of it will be under leadership coming from the United States of America, from the executive branch of the president strongly supporting Israel’s right for self-defense and also from the legislative branch. Today we have with us one of the biggest advocates, strongest supporters and champions of the State of Israel, Congressman Ritchie Torres.”
SAR Principal Rabbi Binyamin Krauss said of Torres: “Our congressman has been here many times. He asks about you and cares about this school. He cares about every single person in this district, and cares about the State of Israel. He is bold, says what he believes and is not afraid, even when people disagree.”
Torres stated: “It’s moments like these we’re reminded what matters most in life is family, friendship and faith. It’s an honor to represent Riverdale, and SAR in the United States Congress. I want you to know we’re partnering closely with President Biden. We stand with the Jewish community and the State of Israel. I want you to have peace of mind knowing your congressman, your president, your country, the United States stands with both the Jewish community and the Jewish State. Israel will live on. Am Yisroel Chai.”
