Israel’s Consul General in New York, Ofir Akunis, expressed in an interview with JNS that Israel does not desire a prolonged conflict and prefers peace. He mentioned that once the hostages are released and there are no more terrorists or terrorist weapons, Israel will not remain in Gaza. Akunis has been representing Israel in New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Delaware since May 1. He highlighted that Israel did not initiate the conflict in Gaza and reiterated their lack of interest in long-term involvement in Gaza or Lebanon. Akunis also pointed out the potential for prosperity in Gaza if not for Hamas. He condemned antisemitic protests in New York and emphasized the need for peaceful resolutions in the region. After the presidential elections where Biden defeated Trump, there was hope for two additional Muslim countries to join the peace in the Middle East through the Abraham Accords. The peace treaties with Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and the Emirates were strong, leading to many Israelis traveling to New York through Dubai. However, there was concern over American airlines temporarily canceling flights to Tel Aviv while Emirates continued to operate. It was urged for American airlines to resume flights to Tel Aviv as soon as possible.
Regarding the Hostage and Missing Families Forum branch in New York, there was a strong relationship with the families of the hostages, with initiatives in place to raise awareness about their plight. Efforts were made to pressure Hamas for their release, with a call for international support to bring them home.
In terms of engaging with the Jewish community in New York, there were meetings with various Jewish organizations and synagogues to address issues like antisemitism on college campuses. Collaboration with Jewish organizations on combating antisemitism was a priority, with a focus on strengthening the U.S.-Israeli alliance and promoting mutual support between the two countries. If you wish harm upon America, you have no place here. In my opinion, those who feel this way should be asked to leave the country. While some may try to hide their intentions by wearing masks, there are those who openly show their faces. This is not freedom of speech.
I believe in freedom of speech and human rights, but if someone threatens my life, I must defend myself. We cannot afford to be naive. We have seen the consequences of such threats in the past [referring to the 9/11 attacks]. We must not allow this to happen again.
I am well aware that when given the chance, our enemies will try to harm us. As a representative of Israel, I have seen this firsthand. They have attempted to commit genocide against us. We must not ignore such threats or take them lightly.
Hamas and Hezbollah have openly stated their intentions to destroy Israel. This is not just rhetoric, it is a real and present danger. We must remain vigilant against such threats.
I believe that there is hope for peace in the Middle East. We must continue to work towards a brighter future, where countries like Lebanon can exist independently and peacefully.
As for the rise of antisemitism on college campuses, we must stand strong against such hate. I am encouraged by the actions of our students and the support of local authorities. We must not tolerate such behavior.
President Biden’s response to recent events has been commendable. We may have differences on specific issues, but overall, our alliance remains strong. We must continue to work together for peace and security in the region.
To the people of Israel and the Diaspora, I say that we are here for you. The Israeli consulate is your home and we are here to support you. We must stand together against hatred and work towards a better future for all. We are committed to collaborating with and engaging with all Jewish communities, not only in New York, but also in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Ohio, Cleveland, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and beyond.
I urge all members of the Jewish community to maintain unity, despite our diverse backgrounds and origins. The beauty of our people lies in our differences, and it is crucial that we remain united in the face of adversity. Our strength lies in our unity, and it is essential that we continue to stand together, both during times of war and in times of peace.
These are historic and challenging times that will be remembered for generations to come. As Consul General, I am dedicated to representing and defending our people against threats such as antisemitism and acts of aggression from other nations. This mission is not just a duty, but a calling that I will continue to pursue with unwavering dedication.
Let us remember the importance of unity and resilience as we navigate through these challenging times, and may we emerge stronger and more united than ever before.
