From my perspective, as a 33-year-old Jewish American, 2018 was a record year for the government, people and American supporters of Israel. As the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement continues to grow and as anti-Semitism increases throughout the world, Israel has continued to be a beacon of hope and defy all odds. Israel has strengthened ties with the United States, Australia, India, Brazil, a number of Arab countries, and beyond, while setting record-breaking tourism numbers. Here's a recap of 2018:
70th: On April 18, Israel celebrated its 70th Independence Day. The people of Israel continue to defy all odds and show the world what strength, resilience and ingenuity mean. Israel is surrounded by neighbors who have tried to wipe the Jewish homeland off the map. Israelis, the Israeli government and the United States have shown the world that the promises from organizations like Hamas and Iran will never be more than words.
Brazil relations: Elections with new leadership typically bring changes and opportunities. That's what the 2018 elections in Brazil brought Israel when the people of Brazil elected President Jair Bolsonaro. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended Bolsonaro's inauguration and has started building a friendship with the new president. This marks the first time an Israeli prime minister has ever made an official visit to South America's largest country. A country with over 200 million people – 200 million consumers for Israeli companies to export their products to! In addition, Bolsonaro has made it official – Brazil will move its embassy to Jerusalem. Israel has much to gain from building a strong political and trade relationship with South America's biggest economy.
Australia Embassy move: In February 2017, Netanyahu became the first Israeli prime minister to visit Australia. Australia has declared its intention to move its embassy to Jerusalem.
Warming relations with Arab neighbors: Relations that were in recent years conducted behind the scenes, in secrecy, and never made public are now starting to make their way out of the shadows and into the light for the world to see. Iraq sent multiple delegations to Israel in 2018. Netanyahu made an official visit to the leader of Oman. Saudi Arabia allowed Air India to use Saudi airspace on direct flights from New Delhi to Tel Aviv. In addition, Oman has now opened its airspace to Israeli air operators.
Record-breaking tourism: Over 4 million tourists visited Israel in 2018 (I was one of them!), a 17% increase over 2017 and a 42% increase from 2016. Jerusalem is one of the fastest growing destinations in the world! Congratulations to all of the American organizations, such as the Jewish National Fund and Birthright Israel, that have helped to drive these numbers higher and higher.
India: In 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian head of government to visit Israel and in 2018, Netanyahu returned the favor. During the 2018 visit to India, Modi and Netanyahu signed memoranda of understanding related to cybersecurity, oil and gas production, air transport, homeopathic medicine, film production, space technology and innovation. In addition, Indian tourism to Israel has increased by over 31% since the two prime ministers met.
U.S. Embassy: 2018 was the year that my government, the United States of America, officially recognized Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel and opened its embassy in the capital. On May 14, 2018, the United States officially opened the new U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem to coincide with the 70th anniversary to the day of Israel's Declaration of Independence. The unbreakable alliance between the U.S. and Israel has never been stronger.
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I could probably add another 10 items that contributed to an amazing 2018 for the State of Israel, Israeli citizens and supporters all over the world. As a Zionist and a Jewish American, I am so proud of Israel's accomplishments in 2018 and look forward to helping continue the momentum in 2019.
This Passover, we will not say "next year in Jerusalem" but "forever in Jerusalem." Am Yisrael Chai!
