David M. Friedman
David Melech Friedman (born August 8, 1958) is an American bankruptcy lawyer. He was the United States Ambassador to Israel from 2017 until 2021.
David M. Friedman | |
|---|---|
 | |
| United States Ambassador to Israel | |
| In office May 15, 2017 – January 20, 2021 | |
| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Dan Shapiro |
| Succeeded by | Thomas R. Nides |
| Personal details | |
| Born | David Melech Friedman August 8, 1958 |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Tammy Sand (m. 1981) |
| Children | 5 |
| Education | Columbia University (BA) New York University (JD) |
Friedman joined the law firm Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman (then known as Kasowitz, Hoff, Benson & Torres) in 1994, where he met and represented Donald Trump, then chairman and president of The Trump Organization. He served as an advisor to Trump during his successful presidential campaign.
In December 2016, President-elect Trump announced that he was nominee for ambassador to Israel.[1][2] His nomination was met with support from conservative Israeli and Jewish American activist groups, and opposition from liberal advocacy organizations, particularly J Street.
Friedman was confirmed by the full Senate on March 23 with a 52–46 vote and officially sworn in by Vice President Mike Pence on March 29.[3]
References
- Samuelson, Kate (December 16, 2016). "Why Jerusalem Isn't Recognized as Israel's Capital". Time. Retrieved March 17, 2017.
- Cortellessa, Eric (December 16, 2016). "Trump taps adviser Friedman to be US ambassador to Israel". The Times of Israel. Retrieved December 16, 2016.
- Tibon, Amir (March 30, 2017). "David Friedman, Staunch Supporter of the Settlements, Sworn in as U.S. Ambassador to Israel". Haaretz. Retrieved March 29, 2017.