The Israeli-American Civic Action Network (ICAN) warmly welcomes the nomination of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as the next U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security. With her proven leadership and steadfast commitment to protecting our homeland, we are confident in her ability to lead the Department of Homeland Security in strengthening national resilience and fostering partnerships that ensure the safety and prosperity of all Americans.
A Proven Leader in Security and Strengthening U.S.-Israel Relations
Secretary-Designate Noem's political career began in the South Dakota House of Representatives; she then represented South Dakota's at-large congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives and made history by becoming the first female governor of South Dakota in 2019.
Throughout her tenure, Secretary-Designate Noem has been a steadfast supporter of Israel and a vocal opponent of antisemitism. In March 2024, she signed House Bill 1076 into law, which requires the consideration of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when investigating unfair or discriminatory practices in South Dakota. This legislation strengthens the state's anti-discrimination laws and ensures the safety of Jewish and Israeli-American communities.
Secretary-Designate Noem has also demonstrated her commitment to combating antisemitism through executive actions. In 2020, she issued an executive order directing state entities not to contract with businesses supporting the Boycotts, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel, aligning South Dakota with other states in condemning such practices.
Defending Freedom, Securing the Future
Over the past year, Secretary-Designate Noem has consistently demonstrated her dedication to protecting America's homeland and addressing the pressing security challenges of our time. Her leadership reflects a strong commitment to safeguarding Americans and their allies while navigating a complex and evolving threat landscape.
Secretary-Designate Noem has been unwavering in her support for policies that combat antisemitism and domestic extremism, especially in the wake of the October 7th, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. Recognizing the impact of these events on U.S. communities, she has called for decisive measures to address rising antisemitism on college campuses and violent protests that have targeted Jewish and pro-Israel individuals.
Her leadership has also emphasized strengthening the U.S.-Israel partnership through enhanced cooperation in security and counterterrorism.
As Governor of South Dakota, Noem implemented policies that align with ICAN's priorities, including opposing the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement and supporting legislation to define and address antisemitism under the IHRA framework.
Secretary-Designate Noem's commitment to preventing domestic extremism and counterterrorism and protecting vulnerable communities positions her to lead the Department of Homeland Security in fostering a more secure and resilient United States. Her efforts will undoubtedly fortify the nation's defenses while reaffirming America's commitment to its allies, including Israel.
Key Areas of Focus for the Secretary of Homeland Security
The following are critical areas of concern shared by ICAN and the communities we represent, which we urge Secretary-Designate Noem to prioritize during her confirmation hearings and throughout her tenure as U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security:
1. Counterterrorism and National Security
Increased threat awareness is critical in addressing the heightened risk of domestic terrorism inspired by international events. This includes monitoring extremist groups leveraging the war against the Hamas terror organization to incite violence. Enhanced intelligence sharing should strengthen coordination between federal, state, and local agencies while fostering collaboration with international allies. Safeguarding critical infrastructure, including transportation systems, public gatherings, and cyber assets, is essential to national security.
2. Addressing Domestic Extremism
Combating hate-based violence requires strategies to address antisemitism and other hate-driven ideologies that have surged post-October 7th. This involves monitoring and disrupting extremist networks used to recruit for radicalization. Community outreach is vital for building trust with vulnerable populations and countering misinformation through cooperation with local leaders.
3. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Resilience
Securing elections demands preparation against foreign and domestic interference, ensuring the integrity of electronic voting systems. Public and private sector partnerships should enhance preparedness for cyberattacks and physical disruptions, protecting key supply chains from manipulation or disruption by foreign adversaries.
4. Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Crisis management protocols must ensure DHS readiness to manage coordinated mass attacks or lone-wolf incidents. FEMA and other agencies need reassessment to respond effectively to simultaneous crises. Updated training for law enforcement and first responders is crucial for addressing emerging threats.
5. Pro-Israel Stance and Antisemitism Mitigation
Protecting Jewish communities involves ensuring the safety of synagogues, schools, and community centers while addressing antisemitism through focused federal initiatives, including the Nonprofit Security Grant appropriation. Strengthened international relations should foster collaboration with Israel on counterterrorism and intelligence-sharing measures.
ICAN encourages U.S. Senators, community leaders, and all those committed to a strong U.S.-Israel relationship to recognize the importance of this nomination and to support a timely and thoughtful confirmation process, ensuring that America has the leadership needed to strengthen its relationship with Israel during this historic time.
What It Means to Be Pro-Israeli-American
At ICAN, being pro-Israeli-American means uniting Israeli-American immigrants and pro-Israel Americans into a cohesive, action-oriented coalition that strengthens the U.S.-Israel alliance while addressing domestic challenges that both communities face, like hate and antisemitism. It is an advocacy model rooted in shared values of democracy, innovation, and security, reflecting the unique role Israeli-Americans play as a bridge between two vibrant democracies. Pro-Israeli-American advocacy recognizes that the future stability and strength of the U.S.-Israel relationship depends on:
- Building bipartisan support for policies that strengthen mutual security and economic prosperity.
- Promoting the value of initiatives like the Abraham Accords, which exemplify the power of regional cooperation and diplomacy.
- Combating antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment through people-to-people, Israeli-American immigrant, and pro-Israel American cooperation.
This approach is dynamic, inclusive, and forward-looking, ensuring that our communities have a powerful and unified voice in shaping policies that benefit both nations.
The Israeli-American Civic Action Network (ICAN) is the only organization that brings together Israeli and American activists to create change for a better America, a more secure Israel, and a stronger U.S.-Israel alliance.
ICAN works with community leaders, public officials, and grassroots organizations to strengthen the bond between the United States and Israel at all levels of government through civic education, advocacy, and public engagement. It also promotes policies that support the Israeli-American community and foster mutual understanding. With a focus on policy leadership and strategic engagement, ICAN is committed to empowering Israeli-American activists and pro-Israel Americans to take an active role in shaping public policy.
Learn more about the Israeli-American Civic Action Network at IsraelUSA.org.