US Ambassador’s daughter moves to Israel

The daughter of US Ambassador David Friedman has moved permanently to Israel along with 232 other American Jews, according to Ynet News.

Talia Friedman, formerly a nurse in New York, was welcomed by her father, who praised her decision to become an Israeli citizen.

“As a father, I celebrate my daughter Talia’s realisation of a life-long dream to become part of the State of Israel,” he said.

Our entire family is bursting with pride at Talia’s vision and determination to help strengthen the State of Israel – one of America’s strongest and most important allies.

Friedman has long been a supporter of the Israeli occupation. He has actively campaigned for the continuation of illegal settlement construction and opposes a Palestinian state. He was a controversial choice for the position of ambassador and secured the role by the smallest margin of votes ever on an envoy to Israel.

Read: Trump to send envoys for talks on Middle East peace

Friedman is not the only US official to have children settle in Israel. Special Envoy for the Peace Process Jason Greenblatt also announced on Sunday via Twitter that three of his children will be spending their gap year in the country.

Sigh 🙁 g'bye dinner 4 our triplets leaving next week 4 Israel gap year. Exciting but emotional #1/2EmptyNestSyndrome pic.twitter.com/iXrjb0WMXN

— Jason D. Greenblatt (@GreenblattJD) August 14, 2017

Today’s immigration programme was facilitated by the Nefesh B’Nefesh organisation which promotes the settlement of Jews in Israel. 72 of the men and women who moved also plan on volunteering as soldiers in the Israeli army.