The Israeli-American Civic Action Network (ICAN) enthusiastically supports the nomination of Ambassador-designate Elise Stefanik as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations. As a leader with a proven record of championing the U.S.-Israel relationship and standing firm against antisemitism, Ambassador-designate Stefanik is uniquely positioned to advance America's priorities on the global stage.
An American Leader for the United Nations
Ambassador-designate Stefanik’s exceptional qualifications make her a standout choice for this role. Born in Albany, New York, and educated at Harvard University with a degree in Government, she brings a unique blend of policy expertise and leadership. Early in her career, she gained valuable experience in national policy while serving in the Bush administration’s Domestic Policy Council and the Chief of Staff’s office.
In Congress, where she was the youngest woman ever elected at the time, Ambassador-designate Stefanik has been a leading advocate for Israel. She has consistently opposed biased actions and resolutions against Israel in international forums, championing fairness and equity in alignment with ICAN’s mission. In May 2024, during a visit to Israel, she emphasized the critical importance of U.S. support for Israel’s security and condemned antisemitism, particularly on college campuses. Her expertise in global security is evident through her leadership in advancing robust sanctions to prevent Iran’s nuclear ambitions, safeguarding regional and global stability. Additionally, her ability to foster bipartisan cooperation on critical U.S.-Israel issues underscores her capacity to build enduring support for shared security, economic, and democratic values.
Unequivocal Support for Israel and the Jewish People During a Time of Crisis
Over the past year, Ambassador-designate Stefanik has demonstrated unwavering support for Israel through a series of impactful actions. In November 2023, she played a pivotal role in securing a $14.3 billion emergency supplemental aid package for Israel, ensuring funding for essential defense systems like Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and the development of Iron Beam. She also co-sponsored a resolution condemning the October 7 terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas, reaffirming her firm commitment to Israel’s right to self-defense.
During a speech to the Knesset, Ambassador-designate Stefanik highlighted the urgency of swift U.S. aid, emphasizing Israel’s need for decisive victories against its adversaries to maintain regional stability. Moreover, she has been a leading voice in addressing campus antisemitism, holding educational institutions accountable and advocating for stronger protections for Jewish students. These efforts underscore her dedication to bolstering the U.S.-Israel relationship and combating antisemitism in all its forms.
Critical Priorities for the United States at the UN
The following are critical areas of concern shared by ICAN and the communities we represent, which we urge Ambassador-Designate Stefanik to prioritize during her confirmation hearings and throughout her tenure as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations:
- Elimination of UNRWA
Advocate for dismantling UNRWA due to its misuse by terrorist organizations like Hamas and its role in perpetuating the Palestinian refugee crisis. Transition humanitarian responsibilities to alternative neutral international agencies. - Sanctioning the International Criminal Court (ICC)
Demand sanctions against the ICC for its politically motivated investigations targeting Israel, which undermine Israel's sovereignty and security. - Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Call for accountability for UN officials and agencies that enable misuse by terrorist organizations, such as Hamas, and demand reforms to prevent these violations. - Eliminating the Myth of the Israeli Occupation
Counter false narratives at the UN by emphasizing Israel’s historical, cultural, and legal ties to the land, rooted in both biblical history and international law. Advocate for Israel’s right to defend itself while highlighting the misuse of UN platforms to delegitimize Israel’s policies and security actions. - Israel’s Security and Policy Defense
Prioritize Israel’s security concerns in all discussions, defend Israel’s actions in conflicts and disputes, and counter unjust criticisms at international forums. A secure Israel acts as a cornerstone of U.S. strategy in the Middle East, providing critical intelligence, advancing shared technological innovation, and serving as a stable democratic ally in a volatile region.
Ambassador-designate Stefanik’s proven track record, from championing Israel’s security needs to promoting bipartisan cooperation on key foreign policy issues, positions her to strengthen the unbreakable bond between the United States and Israel while promoting peace and prosperity on the global stage. Her leadership at the United Nations will serve as a critical force in advancing America’s strategic interests, defending Israel’s rightful place in multilateral forums, and addressing pressing global challenges, including rising antisemitism and threats to regional stability.
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.