A few words of advice for Israel's new diplomatic face in the U.S.

haaretz.com ^ | July 13, 2009 | By Marco Greenberg

[Iam1ru1-2]

When's the last time the Government of Israel made a decision that really and truly made you proud? This week's This Hyphenated Life column is dedicated to just such a moment.

While Bibi's speech to the Arab world in Cairo last month might have done it for some, in most cases, this bloated government is not a source of inspiration.

Yet, I had such a 'wow, that's terrific' reaction after hearing that Michael Oren was appointed as Israel's next ambassador to the United States. Rather than just echo the initial reactions, let's both provide perspective and look forward.

Not only is it the best thing Bibi's done so far during his current term - in one masterful stroke he helped make up for the off-putting pick of Lieberman as foreign minister - he laid the groundwork for a very different kind of diplomat.

Let's face it: the usual suspects are either a political appointee who is a friend of the prime minister or a foreign ministry careerist living the good life abroad before being sent back to unlivable wages in Jerusalem. Dressing in bad suits, speaking bad English, repeating bad policy and too often, making bad impressions.

I know. I worked for, and with, too many that fit this description.

While there are many exceptions including impressive members of the Foreign Ministry, from Israel's Ambassador to Australia, Yuval Rotem, to the Ambassador to France, Danny Scheck - too many official representatives of the state of Israel serving abroad are in need of a makeover.

That's why Oren's selection has the precision and unexpectedness of a successful pre-emptive strike by the IDF.

[hope]

Israel does not need the U.S. government...and that is a good thing...The faith of their fathers will suffice...they will see it...eventually!