WOMEN’S DIVISION OF AMERICAN JEWISH CONGRESS LAUDS APPOINTMENT OF FIRST WOMAN TO SERVE AS ISRAEL’S AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED NATIONS 

June 26, 2008 — The Women’s Division of American Jewish Congress congratulates Gabriela Shalev on her appointment as Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, the first Israeli woman named to that post.  She will replace Dan Gillerman, who has served for the past five and a half years. 

The appointment of Ms. Shalev by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni is another example of Israeli women attaining top leadership positions in the Government of Israel. 

Israeli women are serving in top positions in every branch of government in Israel. Dorit Beinisch is Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; Tzipi Livni is Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister; Dahlia Itzik is Speaker of the Knesset; and now Gabriela Shalev is Ambassador to the United Nations.  We take great pride in their accomplishments, and in the fact that Israel is the only country in that region that has  shown, by its actions, that members of its government are committed to promoting the full participation of women in Israeli society. 

When women attain top leadership roles, they are often eager to open doors for other competent and capable women.  The appointment of Ms. Shalev by Foreign Minister Livni demonstrates that fact.  We salute Foreign Minister Livni for her commitment to increasing the participation of women in Israel’s government, and we congratulate Gabriela Shalev on her appointment. 

American Jewish Congress Women’s Division

Meryl Frank, President
Harriet Kurlander, Executive Director