Ambassador Shapiro welcomed Muslim, Christian, Jewish, and Druze religious leaders to his residence to celebrate an “interfaith” Iftar. In addition to religious leaders, in attendance were members of Knesset, heads of NGOs promoting Arab-Jewish cooperation, and other community and business leaders. Ambassador Shapiro stressed the importance of fasting to all Abrahamic faiths, and said that fasting “gives us the chance to focus our minds and souls on the things that matter most– not politics, not our jobs, not money - but our faith in God, and our relationships with our family, friends, and community – on living in peace with ourselves and our neighbors so that we can focus on what is truly most important.” Ambassador Shapiro commended Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas for their courageous leadership and for their support for Secretary Kerry’s initiative to restart negotiations.

Photo credits: David Azagury & Matty Stern/U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv