Daniel Aschheim is the new Consul for Public Diplomacy for the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest.
WCBU's Tim Shelley spoke to him after a recent Peoria Area World Affairs Council event. They chatted about Israel's relationship with the new Biden administration and other issues.
Daniel Aschheim: So I came in the beginning of September with my wife, baby and our dog after serving two years in Senegal, West Africa. I was deputy Israeli ambassador there. And we came to a very exciting, interesting, challenging time to the United States and happy that it was not the first time that I've been to the United States, not the first time that I've been to Chicago.
So I know what it looks like in regular days. What are they meant immensely exciting, dynamic city it is. And unfortunately, now, as we see around the world, we are in difficult times, and we are trying to do as many programs and activities virtual as possible, but definitely look forward to seeing people again in person and holding real events and not only virtual ones. Absolutely.
Tim Shelley: I know that the Anti-Defamation League has reported there's been an uptick in anti-Semitic violence here in the United States in the last several years. Is that a concern for you and your position working with the Israeli consulate, and how do you work maybe with those communities to address that issue here in the United States?
DA: Definitely. The rising numbers of anti-Semitic incidents in the United States and Europe in the rural (areas) that's rising. It's a concern for me as an Israeli diplomat. For me, as a citizen of the world. And for me, as a part of humanity.
I think we should say, a clear no to anti-Semitism, to racism, to hatred, regardless whether it's based on your religion, whether you're Jewish, Muslim, or Christian, whether it's a gender related, whether it's with it's a color of skin, we need to say no to hate crimes, racism, and anti-Semitism.
I think eventually, they all come together. So, those who are anti-Semites today, we'll also be against another group tomorrow. So this is an important message. Anti-Semitism may start with Jews, but it never stops with Jews.
(T)he message should be for the future. Let us not allow it to happen neither for the Jews and for any other population in the future. We need to protect every human, every human on this earth has dignity, rights, and it's our moral responsibility as Jews, as Israelis, to fight this wherever it is in the world.
TS: We do have a new presidential administration here in the U.S., Joe Biden. What's the Israeli consul ... have a position on his administration, or things they want to work on with him?
DA: Regardless of the administration in the United States, Israel will remain the strongest ally of the United States based on shared values, shared, shared goals, shared tasks, whether its peace in the Middle East, stopping Iran from being a nuclear power, and other things connected to culture, economy, security, and more.
And this was true to the Trump administration. This is going to be true for the Biden administration. Joe Biden, President Biden, has a strong record of showing support to Israel in Congress throughout the years. And the members of his cabinet are true supporters of Israel. And we look forward to working with this new administration on continuing to do peace in the Middle East with the distant neighbors, with our close neighbors, with the Palestinians. And we hope that they will resume to the negotiation table. And we really hope to continue working together for a better for a better future to the region, and of course, to help America in a bipartisan way. Whatever we can, Israel it's a win-win relationship for both sides and it will remain like that.
This interview was condensed for broadcast.
We’re living in unprecedented times when information changes by the minute. WCBU will continue to be here for you, keeping you up-to-date with the live, local and trusted news you need. Help ensure WCBU can continue with its in-depth and comprehensive COVID-19 coverage as the situation evolves by making a contribution.
