“The Lord will give strength unto his nation; the Lord will bless his nation with peace.” Psalm 29:11: King David instructs that peace is the natural outgrowth of physical and moral strength.

MISSION SUMMARY: The Trump Administration brought with it a sea change in US-Israel policy and America’s approach to the entire Middle East:  It concluded that both American and regional interests were best served when the United States stood unambiguously and strongly with Israel, its most critical ally in the region (if not the world). Prior administrations rejected this option as destabilizing, preferring instead a so-called “even-handed” approach to Israel and its neighbors. In contrast, the Trump Administration viewed “even handedness” under the circumstances as projecting weakness and indecision which itself would increase instability and make peace harder to achieve. The Trump approach was proven correct: following three years of unprecedented support for Israel, coupled with a sincere and serious effort to improve the quality of life, autonomy and dignity of the Palestinian people, the United States, within just a few months, successfully brokered peace agreements between Israel and five different Muslim countries – United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, Kosovo and Morocco. The Abraham Accords achieved a breathtaking shift for the better in the Middle East paradigm, and that process must move forward.

 

It is critically important to educate the public with regard to the importance of the United States maintaining the diplomatic approach that succeeded during the past administration. The Friedman Center for Peace through Strength will do just that. Through digital, social and traditional media, engagement with political and thought leaders, multiple in-person events and at least one annual conference, the Friedman Center will be a vocal and effective vehicle to promote peace through strength – not just military strength, but strength of purpose, of mission and of values – and against the forces of extremism and the appeasement of evil.

 

The Friedman Center will pay particular focus on Jerusalem, with a view towards enabling that ancient and holy city to actualize the meaning of its name: “City of Peace.” The prophet Isaiah, considered by all three major monotheistic faiths to be divinely inspired, envisioned all the nations of the world coming to Jerusalem, whereupon their issues would be resolved and “nation shall not lift up sword against nation nor study war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:3-4). By hosting regional and international conferences in Jerusalem, the Friedman Center will seek to bring Isaiah’s vision to life. 

        

EXECUTION OF THE MISSION: Ambassador (ret.) David Friedman will lead the Center’s efforts and be its primary public face. He is singularly knowledgeable about the US-Israel relationship and has successfully made the case on numerous occasions and in many diverse contexts that America is at its best when it supports Israel. Few public figures today have achieved Ambassador Friedman’s recognition as an advocate of “peace through strength,” or have a more impressive list of accomplishments in that regard. Ambassador Friedman combines that record with a deep personal commitment to the US – Israel relationship. Ambassador Friedman proudly proclaims that support for Israel is a hallmark of being a loyal American.  

 

The Friedman Center will leverage the skills and profile of Ambassador Friedman, augmented by talented analysts and cutting-edge technology, to advance the proven theory that America is best served by standing unequivocally and strongly with Israel and with those courageous Arab nations that have normalized relations with Israel. 

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The Center will focus its education and research on the following themes:

 

• Israel is not the problem in the Middle East, it is the solution. Other nations have much to gain by emulating Israel’s duality of a free and open society grounded in deep historical roots. The Abraham Accords can and should be scaled to bring about a peaceful and more prosperous Middle east.

• Israel provides the United States with a significant enhancement of our national security platform. In addition to being mandated from perspectives of morality and faith, American support of Israel makes Americans safer and more secure. At a time when America’s military presence in the Middle East is on the decline, its investment in its allies in the region and especially Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge is more important than ever.

• It is time for ancient grievances within the region to be replaced with modern aspirations. Within nations or societies burdened by corrupt or narrow-minded leaders, the people need to understand that there is a better way.

• Israel is essential to the survival of Judaism and Christianity and to the advancement of the Judeo-Christian values upon which America was founded. It is a beacon of religious freedom and brings the Bible and its teachings back to life.

• Israel is a peace-loving nation that is surrounded by numerous potential existential threats. Israel will defend itself against those threats – it will never permit another Holocaust. It is essential to the stability of the region that existential threats against Israel be reduced, verifiably and effectively, and ultimately eliminated.

• The existential battle of the 21st Century is not between nations or religions but between moderates and extremists. The moderates must win!

 

Through effective education centered around these themes, we will advance the ground-breaking gains of the past four years.

 

Since its founding earlier in 2021, the Friedman Center’s efforts have advanced significantly. Ambassador Friedman has published his opinions and appeared on major news platforms. He has worked with political and thought leaders on pressing issues relating to the US-Israel relationship. Perhaps most exciting is a four-hour documentary on the Abraham Accords which Ambassador Friedman has co-produced with TBN Networks and which tells the story of these historic agreements through the voices of all the participants. That film is in the process of being edited and will be licensed to the Friedman Center on a non-exclusive perpetual royalty-free basis.

 

More about Ambassador Friedman:   

 

• As Ambassador to Israel over the past four years (2017-2021), he successfully undertook unprecedented public advocacy for expanded US support for Israel on strategic, moral and historical grounds.

• Responsible, among a small group of public officials, for numerous highly publicized initiatives including the “Abraham Accords” (peace agreements between Israel and UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, Kosovo and Morocco), moving the US embassy to Jerusalem, US recognition of Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights, US determination that Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria do not violate international law, President Trump’s Vision for Peace, and many others.

• Recognized in each of the past four years by the Jerusalem Post as one of 50 most influential Jews in the world (1st place (tied) 2020, 2nd place 2019, 4th place 2018, 12thplace 2017).

• Named one of the 20 Most Impactful Persons of the Decade (2010-2019) by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

• Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, 2021.

• Received numerous awards and recognition, including the National Security Medal (only 74 awarded in US History) awarded by President Trump in September 2020; Meritorious Civilian Service Medal (second highest level of recognition for a civilian by the Department of Defense) awarded by United States Joint Chiefs of Staff  in April 2019;  First Honorary Doctorate ever awarded by Ariel University; Honorary Doctor of Laws from Yeshiva University; Sheldon and Miriam Adelson Defender of Israel Award from Zionist Organization of America (ZOA); Robert Shillman Advocacy Award from ZOA; Defender of Jerusalem Award from Christians United for Israel; Friend of Zion Award from FOZ Museum; WIZO Award; FIDF Award; Defender of Jerusalem Award from Keren Hayesod; B’nai Brith Award; City of David Award; Golan Heights Municipality Award; others.