Washington, D.C.--Congressman Eliot Engel was honored on Tuesday night, by the American Jewish Committee (AJC), during a ceremony at the Embassy of Israel in Washington, DC. Rep. Engel received the Gesher Award, established by the AJC’s Latino and Latin American Institute, to recognize individuals who through their leadership and commitment are building bridges between Jews and Latinos to further their close relationship. Rep. Engel is the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere.

"It is a true honor to receive the American Jewish Committee's Gesher award. Gesher is Hebrew for bridge - and this is what my congressional career has been about - building bridges between different peoples and communities. Whether in my Congressional district in New York, or throughout the Western Hemisphere, I will always continue to build bridges to bring about social justice and greater prosperity,” said Rep. Engel.

Appearing at the ceremony and speaking in tribute to Rep. Engel were: Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren, Argentinean Ambassador Hector Timerman, Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA), Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX), of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and Tom Kahn, President of the American Jewish Committee's Latino and Latin American Institute

Ambassador Michael Oren said, “The Embassy of Israel is proud to stand with the AJC in honoring Congressman Eliot Engel’s invaluable contribution and ongoing efforts to bring together members of the Hispanic and Jewish communities in the United States. Congressman Engel represents large and vibrant Latino and Jewish communities in his district, and in his outstanding support for Israel, he serves as a key bridge between Israel, Latin America, and the United States.”

Ambassador Timerman said, “It is obvious that Congressman Engel understands that people in the Americas are inherently brothers and that the occasional differences do not mean we should burn the bridge that will help us achieve closeness in the future. I am sure if one asks each and every Latin American representative to the United States about Congressman Engel’s work, every single one of them will say that Eliot Engel is a respectful, dedicated and honest partner. If they asked me, I would just reply that he is also a great friend.”

Mr. Kahn said, “On behalf of the AJC, I want to congratulate Congressman Engel and thank him for his tireless efforts in promoting positive relations between the United States and Latin America, and making sure the Jewish and Latino communities continue to work together. Jews and Latinos have many shared needs and need strong advocates like Congressman Engel to keep showing them just how special that relationship can continue to be.”

Congressman Engel added, “I have worked for many years to foster a closer relationship between the United States and Latin America. Moreover, it is vital that the Jewish and Latino communities continue to build societal and cultural bridges throughout the hemisphere, as this strengthens the bonds of friendship for the years to come.”