You
may recall the old Superman comic that used to open with the words, "It's
a bird. It's a plane. No, It's Superman!"
The
description could aptly be used to describe Michael Oren. Although he is
not Superman, it could be said of him, "He's a scholar. He's a
television star. No, He's an ambassador." Actually, he is all of these, and more.
Because
of his unique credentials as an academician, coupled with outstanding communication
skills and telegenic qualities, Oren has been an exceptionally effective
ambassador for the State of Israel. He has
masterfully represented, explained and advocated the policies of his country,
government and Prime Minister since his arrival in 2009. Ambassador Oren is as comfortable with
political leaders as he is with business leaders, with members of the media as
he is with students.
To
be with Oren is to appreciate his keen intellect and knowledge of the history
and understanding of the politics and dynamics of the Middle East. He clearly revels in and enjoys what he has always
called his dream job.
He
is thoughtful and listens carefully, taking a genuine interest in what others
have to say, often asking probing questions.
Yet he is not passive, for he does not hesitate to express and clarify
the position and policy of Israel, often in difficult and challenging
settings. Willing to defend Israel, even in antagonistic environments, he
has memorably gone onto hostile college campuses to represent his country and
confront Israel’s opponents. His
approach has been to engage and disarm with charm and facts those who oppose
the positions of Prime Minister Netanyahu, leading me to wonder if those who so
vehemently oppose Netanyahu, but so warmly embrace Oren realize how closely
Oren is aligned with Bibi and how much he supports his positions and
policies.
Being
Israel’s ambassador to the United States has had its share of challenges,
especially with the widely recognized poor chemistry between US President
Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. He had his work cut out for him these past
four years.
I
had the chance to witness first hand and up close a small taste during one
especially difficult time. Ambassador Oren came to speak at our
synagogue on a Friday evening in March of 2010. He entered services
visibly shaken. It was a day or two after the visit of Vice President
Biden to the Middle East, and Oren came to us straight from having just been summoned
to a tough meeting at the State Department where he was castigated for the
announcement made during Biden’s visit of housing permits being issued by the
Jerusalem municipality. As he was on the bema speaking, trying his best
not to be distracted by what had just transpired, his faithful companion and
wife Sally, (who has been a tremendous asset on her own) was waving frantically
in the back of the sanctuary to get his attention. He was being called by Prime Minister
Netanyahu who wanted to speak to him immediately. Without missing a beat or losing his
composure, he apologized and told the congregation that his boss was calling,
and that he had to take the call in my office.
He reassured us that he would be back in time for the Alenu, and would complete
his remarks in just a few minutes.
Ultimately,
the job of ambassador has to do with forging relationships on behalf of one’s
country. Oren has reached out and strengthened Israel’s relations with
many diverse communities and segments.
He has especially worked to improve relations and communications between
the American Jewish community and Israel, smoothing things over when actions by
one or the other have been misunderstood or misinterpreted. He has helped to convey to his government
concerns of the American Jewish community on various issues, and has been
outstanding in his explanation of Israeli perspectives to the American Jewish
community. It helps that he understands
and communicates both Hebrew and not just English, but “American.” Whether it was the Rotem bill, Women of the
Wall, plans for the Western Wall, or advertisements aimed at encouraging
Israelis living in the Diaspora to return to Israel, he has personally
intervened and helped to diffuse many potentially divisive issues.
Although
his tenure has ended, lovers of Israel on both sides of the Atlantic are
fortunate that he has served his country in this capacity with such outstanding
distinction. Ambassador Oren joins the
ranks of distinguished diplomats who have previously served in this post,
including Abba Eban, Yitzhak Rabin and others in a job that often calls for
Superman like qualities.
