The America-Israel Friendship League (AIFL) will honor former Secretary of State and Nobel Laureate Henry A. Kissinger with its AIFL Partners for Democracy Award for his lifelong career in public service and his unwavering commitment to enhancing the friendship between the United States and Israel. The presentation will take place at the annual AIFL Gala event on 9 Cheshvan at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.

Dr. Kissinger, a distinguished American diplomat, political scientist and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1973, served as National Security Advisor and later concurrently as the Secretary of State in the administrations of Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.

With the US Presidential election just two days removed, Dr. Kissinger will engage in a fascinating discussion with Washington Post Senior Editor, Elizabeth “Lally” Weymouth and Israel’s 13th Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Chairman of the AIFL in Israel, Ambassador Dan Gillerman. The conversation will focus on the history of the American-Israel relationship, its turbulent times in recent years and what the world can expect going forward.

“The support for Israel throughout the world is diminishing; sadly, this is also true within the Jewish community in the U.S.” said Kenneth J. Bialkin, AIFL Chairman. “Further, despite recent events, which clearly demonstrate that the war on terror is a worldwide struggle, Israel continues to lose international support and impact, including with its traditional supporters. We honor Henry Kissinger for his outstanding contribution to the world and to the Jewish people.”

About the America-Israel Friendship League

Founded in 1971, the America-Israel Friendship League (AIFL) is dedicated to strengthening ties between the United States and Israel. Through people-to-people programs, policy statements, advocacy and collaboration with other like-minded organizations, the AIFL is actively engaged in improving perceptions about Israel and developing American support among people of all ages, faiths, ethnic backgrounds and political orientations. For more information one may visit the website.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)