(Washington, D.C., Jan. 19, 2022)—The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (Order of AHEPA), American Hellenic Institute (AHI), B’nai B’rith International and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations held a virtual Ambassadors Forum with the American ambassadors to Greece, Cyprus and Israel, Jan. 19, 2022.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Thomas Nides, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Cyprus Judith Garber and U.S. Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey Pyatt briefed the leadership of each of the four organizations on the 3+1 framework in the Eastern Mediterranean, touching on developments in sectors such as energy, defense and security, commerce and tourism.

Following the briefing, the organizations issued the following statement:

“We sincerely thank Ambassadors Nides, Garber and Pyatt for their generous time and for highlighting the importance of the trilateral partnership and the engagement of the United States as part of the 3+1 framework.

“The 3+1 framework is in the best of interest of the United States as it fosters peace, security, stability and shared democratic values and ideals in a vital region. We will continue to lend our broad diaspora support, ideas and encouragement for advancing the framework, especially as we plan our fifth Leadership Mission to Israel, Cyprus and Greece later this year.”

Participants

AHEPA

Supreme President Jimmy Kokotas

Executive Director Basil Mossaidis

American Hellenic Institute (AHI)

President Nick Larigakis

AHI Foundation President Leon Andris

Board Vice Chairman James Lagos

Board Member Kostas Alexakis

B’nai B’rith International

President Seth J. Riklin

CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin

Director of B’nai B’rith World Center-Jerusalem Alan Schneider

Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations

Chair Dianne Lob

CEO William C. Daroff

Vice Chair Malcolm Hoenlein

Background

In January 2020, the four organizations completed their fourth Leadership Mission to Israel, Cyprus and Greece. A fifth mission in 2022, delayed due to the pandemic, is planned for later this year. The ground-breaking inaugural mission to the three countries took place January 2014 and led to diaspora support for the tripartite, greater understanding between our communities, and the greater recognition of our common values, intents and aspirations.

In December 2018, the four organizations co-sponsored an international conference held in Jerusalem titled “New Realities in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

In August 2011 and December 2012 AHEPA, AHI, B’nai B’rith International and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations co-organized roundtable discussions in New York City between leaders of the American Jewish and American Hellenic communities.

B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in disaster relief. With a presence around the world, we are the Global Voice of the Jewish Community. Visit www.bnaibrith.org