January 6, 2006

Ambassador Ayalon thanks the American people

 

Article reprinted from The Washington Times
Embassy Row
By James Morrison

 

 

 

Concern for Sharon

Israeli Ambassador Daniel Ayalon said yesterday he had received hundreds of phone calls and e-mails from top administration officials, members of Congress and governors, expressing their concern for the health of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

"It was a sleepless night," he told Embassy Row. "We so appreciate the outpouring of support and prayers from the American people, not only from Jews but from Christians and Muslims as well."

Mr. Ayalon said a message of concern from President Bush and first lady Laura Bush "lifted the morale" of Israelis. Mr. Bush on Wednesday called Mr. Sharon a "man of courage and peace" and said he and Mrs. Bush were praying for his recovery.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice phoned the ambassador to express her concerns.

Mr. Ayalon said he had reassured many callers about Israel's stability during Mr. Sharon's health crisis.

"We are a strong democracy with longstanding traditions," he said. "The transition of power, which we hope will be temporary, was seamless."