David Friedman

Early Life and Education

David Friedman was born in Woodmere, Long Island, New York, to Rabbi Morris Shmuel and Addi Friedman. His father served as a rabbi in a Conservative Jewish community in North Woodmere.

In 1978, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in anthropology from Columbia University. In 1981, he completed his J.D. degree at the New York University School of Law.

Business Career

Friedman began working in the law firm of Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP in 1982, specializing in bankruptcy law. He eventually headed the firm's bankruptcy department in New York, which employed around 350 lawyers.

During his legal career, he authored articles and gave lectures in his area of expertise. Friedman represented notable figures, including Carl Icahn and Donald Trump. He is also the president of the American Friends of Bet El Institutions.

During the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, he served as an adviser to Donald Trump and managed Trump's campaign activities in Israel.

Friedman was a close friend and confidant of former Knesset member Yaakov Katz (Ketzaleh), the head of the Bet El Institutions and the chairman of the board of directors of Channel 7 (Arutz Sheva). On the Arutz Sheva website in English, Friedman published interpretation articles. He also served as a member of the board of directors of the United Hatzalah organization.

Ambassador to Israel

The transition team of President Donald Trump announced that David Friedman was selected to serve as the United States Ambassador to Israel. In response, Friedman stated that he "looks forward to doing the job from the U.S. embassy in Israel's eternal capital, Jerusalem."

During his confirmation hearings in the Senate, he pledged to follow the directives of the U.S. government regarding Israel, including the embassy relocation. On March 23, 2017, the Senate confirmed his appointment with a vote of 52 to 46.

Friedman became the first ambassador confirmed by the Senate during the Trump administration. On March 29, he was sworn in by Vice President Mike Pence. On May 15, 2017, Friedman arrived in Israel and went directly to the Western Wall for a prayer. On May 16, 2017, he presented his letter of credence to President Reuven Rivlin.

Friedman was the first U.S. ambassador to serve at the Jerusalem Consulate following President Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. After the transition, he moved to the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.

During his tenure, Friedman was considered one of the most pro-Israeli U.S. ambassadors. The Trump administration took several actions to strengthen Israeli sovereignty, including moving the embassy to Jerusalem, recognizing Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights, acknowledging the legality of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and diminishing the special status of the American consulate in Jerusalem, which had served the Palestinian Authority, among other measures.

In June 2019, Friedman attended the opening ceremony of "Pilgrims' Road" in Jerusalem. In response, the Palestinian Authority announced its intention to sue Friedman in international courts.

On January 20, 2021, he concluded his tenure as the U.S. Ambassador to Israel.

Personal Views

David Friedman is an Orthodox Jew who speaks fluent Hebrew. His son's bar mitzvah ceremony was held at the Western Wall.

In 1981, Friedman married Tama Deborah Sand, and they have five children together. They own a home in the Talbiya neighborhood of Jerusalem, which they visit during holidays with their children and grandchildren.

In August 2017, their daughter, Talia, made Aliyah (immigrated) to Israel and became an Israeli citizen.

During his career, Friedman made headlines for his strongly pro-Israel stance, but he later expressed regret for some of his earlier remarks, which he referred to as "inflammatory."

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