During his tenure, Israel has made tremendous progress at the United Nations. Under his watch, Israel has focused on portraying her positive achievements before the world.

Gillerman's tenure has been marked by firsts. In December, 2007, the General Assembly passed an Israeli-initiated resolution for the first time.  The resolution called on countries to share knowledge of agricultural technology with the developing world. Under his helm, Israel was also instrumental in passing General Assembly resolutions, which created a day of remembrance for victims of the Holocaust and condemned Holocaust denial.

In 2005, Gillerman was elected to serve as vice-chair of the General Assembly, a position that Israel had not held since Abba Eban played that role in 1952. Gillerman was very effective at developing relationships with other U.N. ambassadors, even those from countries with no diplomatic relations with Israel.  These contacts resulted in meetings between Israeli foreign ministers and their counterparts in the Arab and Muslim worlds.

Gillerman was deeply committed to B'nai B'rith's causes. He participated in B'nai B'rith's Holocaust Remembrance programs and addressed B'nai B'rith members at two of its U.N. conference breakfasts.

Gillerman was tapped by Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to become ambassador to the United Nations in 2003.  Prior to that, he served as CEO of several companies and as chair of the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce. Gillerman is expected to return to the business world following his departure from the Israeli Mission to the United Nations.

Professor Gabriela Shalev, a professor of law and rector of the Ono Academic College near Tel Aviv, will succeed Gillerman.  Shalev will be Israel's first female ambassador to the U.N. She is expected to assume her position in late August or early September.