WASHINGTON, D.C. — The White House on Wednesday, March 9 announced the nomination of Daniel Shapiro as the next United States ambassador to Israel. Shapiro currently serves as National Security Council’s senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa.

Dan Shapiro

The 41-year-old Shapiro first began working with Obama in 2007, when he coordinated Jewish outreach and advised his presidential campaign on Middle East issues. He has worked closely with Dennis Ross and U.S. Middle East envoy George Mitchell. He has also traveled to Syria with the objective of paving the road for a peace treaty with Damascus.
Previously, Shapiro served on the staffs of U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Bill Nelson (D-FL).  He also served on the National Security Council under President Bill Clinton.
A native of Illinois, Shapiro is fluent in Hebrew. He studied at Brandeis and Harvard Universities, where he earned a Master’s degree in Middle Eastern politics.
News of Shapiro’s nomination was met with praise both by Jewish and Palestinian leadership.
“I have known Dan since his days on Capitol Hill,” said Morton A. Klein, president of the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA).  “Although we did not always agree on every issue relating to Israel, one thing was always clear – Dan was deeply committed to Israel’s safety and security and strong U.S.-Israel relations.  He speaks fluent Hebrew, his beautiful daughters all have Hebrew names, and his parents would openly admit that they’re ‘kvelling!’”
While Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, also noted his “tremendous respect” for Shapiro, whom he described as “knowledgeable and sensitive to the issues, he expressed regret “to see Shapiro leaving the administration, where he’s played a very important role.”
On the Palestinian side, Ziad Asali, president of the American Task Force on Palestine, also welcomed Shapiro’s nomination.
“Dan will make an excellent ambassador. He has a grasp of the complexity of the game and knowledge of all the main players, and is committed to a peaceful resolution to the conflict,” Asali said.
Shapiro’s nomination requires confirmation by the Senate. He will replace the current ambassador to Israel, James Cunningham who has been in Tel Aviv since 2008.