Jerusalem, Israel � US Ambassador to Israel Thomas Nides visits Aish HaTorah in the Old City today including a private meeting with Rosh Yeshiva Rav Yitzchak Berkovits, shlita, and Aish CEO Rabbi Steven Burg.

The Rosh Yeshiva and Rabbi Burg explained Aish�s work with Jews around the world and shared AishVision 2030, the strategic plan to engage 3 million Jews in learning Jewish wisdom over the next 10 years. The Ambassador asked about Aish�s students, its various programs, and global reach.�

The Ambassador�s first� visit also included a brief talk with Aish Educational Director Rav Eitiel Goldwicht from Aish�s spectacular rooftop.� Rabbi Goldwicht� gave the Ambassador the background and context to the Aish World Center, and the sanctity of Jerusalem and the Western Wall to the Jewish people.�

Ambassador Nides was gifted with a photo taken from the Aish rooftop during the recent snowfall in Jerusalem, and a kippah which he wore to make a brief stop to pray at the kotel before leaving the Old City. Plans for future visits were already discussed. �

US Embassy spokesperson Kristin Stewart thanked Aish for making Ambassador Nides� first visit a success. �Your steadfast educational efforts, along with hosting thousands of American students over the years keeps US-Israel ties strong for future generations, � said Stewart.� �Today was the first of more great visits to come!��

Photo credit: Todd Rosenblatt�