David Friedman never anticipated becoming the U.S. Ambassador to Israel. For 35 years, he excelled in the legal profession, but as his career progressed, he sought a role that resonated more deeply with his passion for the U.S.-Israel relationship. When his longtime friend, Donald Trump, announced his candidacy for president in 2015, the opportunity materialized.
"I just couldn't believe my fortune to be able to slide into that position," Friedman says.
Friedman served as Ambassador from 2017 to 2021, and played a role in several key policy decisions, including the relocation of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in May 2018.
During his tenure, he encountered moments of profound fulfillment. He says that one of the most meaningful involved a high-stakes rescue mission during the Syrian civil war. Friedman worked to coordinate the evacuation of members of the White Helmets, a humanitarian group saving civilians in conflict zones. Despite the risks, Israel undertook the mission to extract approximately 75 individuals, transporting them to safety.
"I took this very seriously. It became like a quest of mine," Friedman says. "Most people don't get to directly save lives in their lifetimes. To me, it's the best type of life-saving because it's pure. There's no ulterior motive, not even a thank you."
Since leaving his ambassadorial role, Friedman remains driven by his deep connection to the U.S.-Israel alliance, which he describes as a bond between the country of his birth and the country of his faith. He has written two books, produced films, and spoken widely about the importance of the relationship.
"I still care deeply about it," Friedman said. "I've become a little boring to a lot of people because that's all I really want to talk about."
A Reciprocal Relationship
Friedman believes that many Americans underestimate the reciprocity of the U.S.-Israel alliance, particularly regarding national security. He points to a recent example of Israel's military dismantling of Iran’s air defense system, gathering valuable intelligence, and exposing vulnerabilities—all without risking American lives.
"When I was ambassador, I could tell you with certainty that the actions of the Israeli military and intelligence establishment directly kept Americans safe at home," he said.
The relationship extends beyond military and intelligence collaboration. Friedman describes it as a spiritual and cultural connection rooted in shared values.
"It’s the wellspring of every single critical value that made America a great country," Friedman explains. "If you want to renew those values or recharge the batteries, you go to Israel. That’s where you really see these values coming back to life."
Friedman believes a spiritual alignment between the U.S. and Israel is just as critical as the tangible benefits of the alliance. He says visiting Israel offers Americans a unique opportunity to reconnect with foundational values.
"Anyone that goes to Israel gets it right away," he says. "It doesn't matter whether you're a believer or not. You get it right away."
As Friedman sees it, maintaining the alliance is vital for the United States to preserve its greatness. The nation’s founding values, drawn from biblical principles, are reflected and rejuvenated in Israel.
"The further we become untethered from those values, the harder time we have being a great nation," he says.
