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AMBASSADOR ZALMAN SHOVAL WASHINGTON JEWISH FEDERATION INAUGURAL DINNER NOVEMBER 1, 1999

Thank you, Beth and Ronald for hosting all of us at your beautiful and hospitable home. Kena and I are transients Ð but we donÕt feel that way. Whenever we are here we feel as members of this Federation Ð and the Federation makes us feel as one of theirs.

In the next few years Washington is bound to change Ð and this is not a political statement Ð but though Washington was, of course, always important as the political capital of the U.S. Ð it is becoming one of AmericaÕs and the worldÕs important economic and hi-tech centers as well Ð and this will undoubtedly bring many many Jewish people, especially younger Jewish people here Ð and it will be your all-important task to make them part of you, part of the Jewish Community of Greater Washington Ð in all walks of life Ð social, cultural, spiritual Ð certainly educational Ð what a great event the inauguration of the new campus of the Jewish Day School was! And, needless to add Ð the continued enhancement of an active Jewish Community, an already very active community and Federation Ð is of importance also to the Jewish State, to Israel. Not only because of the natural bonds of kinship Ð but, yes Ð also politically.

Prime Minister Barak is meeting with President Clinton and with Arafat in Oslo, today and tomorrow Ð and there is a feeling of hope and expectation that perhaps, by the end of next year Israel and some more of its Arab neighbors will actually have achieved peace among them Ð but nothing can be taken for granted. But even so Ð letÕs not forget that the most crucial issues are still out there: Jerusalem, IsraelÕs and the entire Jewish peopleÕs eternal and undivided capital Ð and the international, including American recognition which is still lacking unfairly; and there are other issues which can affect our very future and existence.

Do I have to explain to you how significant Jewish unity and strength backing Israel in pursuit of peace and security Ð is and will continue to be in coming years? And especially how important the role the WashingtonÕs Jewish Community will have to play, because it is the community of the capital of the world? I donÕt think so, you know it as well as I do Ð but the point needs emphasizing time and time again Ð and I know, that under the leadership you have Ð you are up to the job! So, once again, Kena and I say: thank you. Be strong and weÕll be strong with you. Thank you.