In a grand ceremony held in Manhattan, Israel’s UN delegation and the UJA-Federation of New York honored Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan, marking the end of his impactful four-year tenure. The event was a testament to Erdan's unwavering commitment and tireless defense of Israel on the global stage, drawing hundreds of attendees, including prominent ambassadors, Jewish organizational leaders, New York Mayor Eric Adams, and Rep. Richie Torres (D-NY).

A Beacon of Strength in the Face of Adversity

Throughout his speech, Ambassador Erdan eloquently addressed the persistent challenges he faced at the UN. "Many times, I have been asked how I can come to work every day in a place where there is so much hatred and hypocrisy against Israel," Erdan began, his voice resonating with conviction. "My answer is simple: It is easy to defend Israel because if you know the truth and believe in it, you hold your head up proudly even in the face of continuous criticism and attacks."

Erdan's dedication was palpable as he declared, "I know the good that I represent—the most moral country in the world, Israel." His tenure was marked by a relentless effort to highlight the moral and ethical values that underpin Israel's actions on the international stage.

Thank you, Ambassador Wood. It's been a pleasure working with you, and Israel is privileged to have allies like you and Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, @USAmbUN, at the UN. I deeply appreciate your support and friendship , my dear brother. pic.twitter.com/qsY3SSRXpp

— Ambassador Gilad Erdan גלעד ארדן (@giladerdan1) August 7, 2024

Raising Global Awareness

A former Cabinet minister, Erdan utilized his platform to raise global awareness about the atrocities committed by Hamas against innocent Israelis, particularly emphasizing the horrors of the October 7 massacre. He warned of the existential threat posed by the Islamic Republic of Iran and its proxies, who continue to menace Israel from multiple fronts.

"Even today, when Iran openly threatens to ‘punish’ Israel, the UN remains silent. Iran interprets the silence of the world and the UN as giving a green light to attack Israel, which is just like the shameful silence of the world when the Nazis decided at the [1942] Wannsee Conference on the genocide of the Jewish people," Erdan stated, drawing a poignant historical parallel.

Tributes to a Stalwart Defender

New York Mayor Eric Adams and Rep. Richie Torres lauded Erdan's unwavering resolve and inspirational leadership. "I thank you for the inspiration you gave me every time we met, every time we stood by each other, and every time we fought together," Adams said, underscoring the deep bond forged through shared struggles.

Thank you, Mayor Eric Adams @NYCMayor, for your kind words at my farewell event. I’m grateful for the privilege of working alongside you for these last 4 years to fight against hate and antisemitism. Your steadfast support for the Jewish community and Israel is invaluable. pic.twitter.com/vVVfVT5cyc

— Ambassador Gilad Erdan גלעד ארדן (@giladerdan1) August 7, 2024

Torres added, "Gilad, you have been a warrior for your people in the moment of their greatest need. I join everyone here in saluting the legacy you leave behind."

A Legacy of Public Service

Born in Ashkelon, Israel, in 1970, Erdan's distinguished career spans over three decades of dedicated public service. As a member of the Likud Party, he has held several key ministerial roles and collaborated with significant global leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Joe Biden, and former US President Donald Trump.

סיפרתי לקהל סיפור אישי על שיחתי הראשונה עם מזכ״ל האו״ם גוטיירש שהתקיימה זמן קצר לאחר שהגעתי לניו יורק. כבר בשיחה זו נחשפתי בתדהמה להטייה שלו נגד ישראל ולתמיכה שלו בפלשתינים על חשבון העם היהודי. חרפה.
צפו ורטווטו >> pic.twitter.com/JQZ7zRcstD

— Ambassador Gilad Erdan גלעד ארדן (@giladerdan1) August 8, 2024

Championing Israel at the UN

As Israel's UN ambassador, Erdan emerged as a formidable defender of Israel’s foreign policy, challenging numerous attempts to undermine its global standing. His tenure was often marked by confrontations with the UN, a body he criticized for its perceived moral failings.

In 2022, Erdan sharply criticized the UN General Assembly for scheduling a vote on a resolution seeking an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on the Palestinian territories, accusing the UN of moral decay for scheduling the vote during Shabbat. "No international body can decide that the Jewish people are ‘occupiers’ in their own homeland," he declared.

Standing Firm Against Hamas

In the aftermath of the October 7 massacre, which saw the largest number of Jews killed in a single day since the Holocaust, Erdan demanded the return of 250 hostages kidnapped by Hamas. He vehemently criticized the UN for ignoring the sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas against Israeli women, urging immediate action. "Will you continue your silence and indifference?" Erdan questioned, his voice filled with righteous indignation. "What if these were your daughters, your granddaughters? Would you continue to ignore them, or would you demand immediate action?"

Congratulations to @dannydanon on his (re)appointment as Israel's next Ambassador to the United Nations, a post he previously held 2015-2020.

There is no more hostile or antisemitic forum than the @UN. Good luck Ambassador Danon! pic.twitter.com/zAHi7O1Ccq

— Arsen Ostrovsky 🎗️ (@Ostrov_A) June 9, 2024

Looking Ahead

As Erdan concludes his tenure, Likud lawmaker and former UN Ambassador Danny Danon is set to succeed him as Israel’s next ambassador to the UN. Erdan's legacy as a proven stalwart defender of Israel’s moral and ethical stance on the global stage will undoubtedly continue to inspire future leaders.

Ambassador Gilad Erdan's tenure at the United Nations was not just a period of service but a profound chapter in the defense of Israel's truth and righteousness on the world stage. His legacy will endure, a beacon of resilience and unwavering commitment to justice.