The choice of Dani Dayan as the Consul General in New York sends a clear and unfortunate message that the face of the settlement movement is now the face of Israel. This decision represents an affront to American Jews, the majority of whom believe that a two-state solution and an end to the occupation will be the only way to bring peace, security, and stability to Israelis and Palestinians.
From 2007 until 2013, Dayan served as the leader of the Yesha settlement council, the official face of the settlements both within Israel and internationally. In a New York Times Op-Ed in 2012, written when Dayan was chairman of the Yesha council, he described the occupation as “morally justified” and “wise.” In fact, the military occupation violates the human rights of Palestinians while also endangering Israelis.
Those of us who work to ensure the future of Israel and the well-being and safety of Israelis and Jews everywhere contend every day with assertions that equate Israel with occupation and human rights abuses. Appointing as the public face of Israel in New York someone who validates this viewpoint will do significant damage to Israel’s image and to the Jewish community.
As Moses and the Israelites near the end of their 40 years in the desert, Moses prepares the community for the time when he will no longer be their leader. He asks the people: “Get you, from each one of your tribes, wise men, and understanding, and full of knowledge, and I will make them heads over you” (Deut. 1:13). We do not believe that Dayan has either the wisdom to represent his country here, nor the understanding of the concerns of the majority of American Jews, to fill the role of Consul General.
As in any community, New York-area Jews are a diverse group with widely diverging beliefs, religious and political. Some members of our community will welcome Dayan unreservedly, others will not, but the community is in its majority progressive. In the past, the role of the New York Consul and the Consulate’s relationship with the community has been a point of pride and a platform for pluralism. By appointing Dayan, Netanyahu seems to be breaking with this tradition. We have deep concerns that this appointment will damage both the relationship between Israel and the Jewish community in New York, and the perception of Israel within New York and the United States.