On Yom Kippur, looking ahead to stronger Chicago-Israel relations

The Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, is the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. As Jews prepare for Yom Kippur around the world, they reflect on the year past and plan for the next. For me, it is a great opportunity to look back at what we have accomplished in U.S. — Israel relations during the last year, and make plans for strengthening our partnerships in Chicago and across the Midwest.

The past year has left us with many reasons to celebrate U.S. — Israel relations. Joe Biden visited Israel this summer for the first time in his presidency. The visit was a symbol of the strength of the two countries’ relationship. It underscored the administration’s commitment to Israel, its security needs and its continued acceptance in the region.

During the visit, President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid signed the historic “Jerusalem Declaration” emphasizing that the U.S. will never allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons while expanding our bilateral cooperation on science and technology. This historic visit also showed U.S. support to further relations with our Arab neighbours, particularly Saudi Arabia.

Last month marked the second anniversary of Abraham Accords. The greatest success of Accords was that they brought normalization and normality to the Middle East. Israel is becoming an integral part of the region and a partner for a growing number Arab countries. This is a real paradigm shift in the region.

We have seen a rise in trade between Israel, its Arab neighbors, and there are more than 1,000 Israeli businesses in the United Arab Emirates. There is also the potential for $5 billion of business between our countries next years. In celebration of their Moroccan Jewish heritage, thousands and even thousands of Israelis travel to Morocco. The Negev summit, held in Israel last March, brought together Israel and moderate Arab countries who are united in promoting stability in the region. This is only the tip of the iceberg.

Recent developments have seen gradual normalization with Saudi Arabia. Asia is now two hours closer to Israel, with flights from and to Israel flying over Saudi territory. That is dramatic for business, for tourism and for Israel’s regional inclusion.

Although there are more chances for regional peace, Iran is still a threat to peace and security worldwide. Any agreement that doesn't meet President Biden's standards to stop Iran becoming a nuclear power is opposed by Israel. Israel is very grateful that the American Administration is listening to our concerns in an intimate and close dialogue.

As we pray for peace this Yom Kippur, I hope that Israel’s continued inclusion in the region encourages our Palestinian neighbors to engage with us toward a common future in the Holy Land. We are committed to doing all we can to ensure better infrastructure and more labor opportunities for Palestinians. We must also ensure security for Israelis and fight terrorism, which has recently reared its ugly head.

It has been a great year at the local level for the Chicago-Israel partnership. From Little Village to Bronzeville, models of Israeli mental healthcare treatment, entrepreneurship and social innovation are being implemented locally, by the community, for the community. Technology is also a key issue, as the bustling innovation scenes of the Windy City and the “Start-Up Nation” are natural partners in food tech, quantum technology and much more.

We will be praying for peace, health, and more exciting partnerships between our nations as the Holy Day ends.

Yinam Cohen, Consul General of Israel to The Midwest.

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