David M Friedman

David Melech Friedman, born in 1958, is an American attorney and former diplomat who held the position of U.S. Ambassador to Israel from 2017 to 2021. Before his diplomatic role, Friedman practiced law, joining Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman in 1994, where he represented Donald Trump and The Trump Organization in bankruptcy cases. He also advised Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign, focusing on Israel and Jewish affairs.

Friedman's background includes a legal career and philanthropic work. He headed American Friends of Bet El Institutions, an organization supporting Israeli settlements, and wrote for the Israeli news website Arutz Sheva, where he expressed support for settlements. His nomination as ambassador was met with both support and opposition, particularly concerning his views on Israeli settlements and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He was ultimately confirmed by the Senate and served his term as ambassador.

Born August 8, 1958, David Melech Friedman grew up in North Woodmere, New York. His father was a rabbi, and his mother was an English teacher. Friedman pursued higher education at Columbia University, earning a B.A. in anthropology in 1978, followed by a J.D. from New York University School of Law in 1981. He became a member of the New York State Bar Association in 1982. In 1994, he moved to Kasowitz, Hoff, Benson & Torres, where he established the bankruptcy practice. He became a name partner in 1995, and the firm was renamed Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman. In this capacity, he led the creditors' rights and bankruptcy practice group and represented Donald Trump and The Trump Organization in matters concerning their Atlantic City casinos.

Friedman took an active role in philanthropic endeavors, notably heading American Friends of Bet El Institutions. This organization actively opposed a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and provided significant financial support to the Israeli settlement of Bet El. Friedman also contributed to other Israeli organizations like United Hatzalah and Aleh Negev. He was a columnist for Arutz Sheva, an Israeli news outlet, where he frequently wrote in support of Israeli settlements, asserting their legality. His involvement with these groups and his public statements on settlements became a significant aspect of his public profile.

During Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, Friedman served as an advisor, particularly on issues related to Israel and the Jewish community. He co-chaired Trump's Israel Advisory Committee. A notable campaign promise he supported was the relocation of the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Following Trump's election victory, Friedman was nominated as the United States Ambassador to Israel. His nomination faced controversy and debate, with differing views expressed by various political and advocacy groups. He was confirmed by the Senate and officially sworn in as ambassador in March 2017, presenting his credentials in May 2017. He served in this role until 2021.