As an American-born historian who has lived in Israel for 30 years, Oren will bring a unique set of skills to the position. A scholar of diplomatic and military history of the Middle East, Oren currently teaches in Jerusalem, and has also been a visiting professor at Harvard, Yale, and Georgetown. “Michael Oren has an unparalleled grasp of the complex Middle East,” said B’nai B’rith Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin. “Born and educated in the U.S., but living in Israel for three decades, Oren has a distinctive view of these two allies and friends, which will serve him – and Israel – well during his tenure as Israel’s representative in Washington.”

Oren is the best selling author of “Six Days of War: June 1967 and the Making of the Modern Middle East,” and “Power, Faith, and Fantasy: The United States in the Middle East, 1776-2006.”

“Michael Oren is a solid choice to fill this vital position,” said B’nai B’rith President Moishe Smith. “His detailed knowledge of the regional nuances will enable him to offer good guidance and counsel.”

B’nai B’rith looks forward to working with Oren as the United States and Israel work to fortify their relationship.