(Washington, D.C., Jan. 28, 2022)—B’nai B’rith International, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (Order of AHEPA) and the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) have issued the following statement:

Our organizations applaud the European Union’s significant investment toward the construction of a 2,000-megawatt undersea electricity cable between Greece, Israel and Cyprus that will link the power grids of the three countries. The 657 million euros investment ($736 million) demonstrates the substantial progress the trilateral alliance has achieved in energy cooperation and the three countries’ leadership in the region to provide energy security. It also signals the three countries commitment to increasing the use of renewable energy sources, which is commendable.

We applaud the trilateral alliance’s ongoing aim to foster peace, security, stability, and shared democratic values and ideals in the region. We will continue to lend our broad diaspora support and encouragement for advancing the trilateral alliance across all sectors, especially as we plan our fifth Leadership Mission to Israel, Cyprus and Greece in 2022.

Background

In January 2022, the four organizations hosted an Ambassadors Forum, with the U.S. Ambassadors to Israel, Cyprus and Greece participating.

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 B’nai B’rith International, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, AHEPA and AHI 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