President Obama’s speech raised many questions that need to be answered in the coming days as he meets with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and both speak at the annual AIPAC Policy Conference. The President’s call to action for the Palestinian Authority to return to direct negotiations with Israel is an important step to renew talks and dismantle the ongoing campaign to delegitimize Israel. While it is premature to talk about the future geography of Israel, we know that Israel has a proven track record for giving land in exchange for peace. We agree with the a potential two-state solution that includes demilitarization of the Palestinian state, security of Israel and the President’s statement that Palestinians must realize that their independence will not happen by denying the right of Israel to exist.

Along with the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, we hope President Obama will focus on the dangers of a nuclear armed Iran and its impact in the Middle East and the world.

From Jewish Hero to Jewish Agency Leader

His name is synonymous with struggle and survival in the face of evil and hatred. Internationally recognized as a human rights activist, accomplished author, acclaimed statesman and esteemed politician, Nathan Sharansky's iconic history is now set to merge with the Jewish Agency: Following the Nomination Committee's approval, Natan Sharansky will be presented for election to Chairman of the Executive of the Jewish Agency at our Board of Governor's Closing Plenary on Thursday June 25th.

20th century Jewish history is deeply intertwined with Sharansky's personal experience, from anti-semitism and persecution to aliyah and even government. Older generations of Jews and Christians around the world stood by Sharansky when he most needed our vocal outcries of support demanding his freedom. While younger generations know him as an enlightened politician and speaker, including number eleven on the list of TIME magazine's 100 most influential people of 2005 in the "Scientists and Thinkers" category.

As we look back on 80 years of the Jewish Agency's exciting, challenging and extraordinary accomplishments, Sharansky's appointment offers a new promise for our collective future. His personal experiences and professional achievements coincide directly with our central mission: from strengthening Jewish identity to rescuing Jews in distress, and from advancing aliyah to securing a strong Jewish peoplehood.

With great pride and deep respect in our hearts, we are proud to call upon Natan Sharansky as the Jewish Agency's Chairman of the Executive. May we go from strength to strength together in the coming years of our joint venture.