By Erin Levi
Last week, as the 118th Congress drew to a close, Washington’s corridors of power played host to an extraordinary gathering celebrating the legacy of Golda Meir and marking Israel’s 75th anniversary. The legislative luncheon, masterfully organized by The Friedlander Group and Project Legacy under Ezra Friedlander’s leadership, brought together an impressive array of diplomats, politicians, and leaders from around the world.
«The US relationship with Israel is arguably the most important relationship the US has in the Middle East,» noted Bobby Rechnitz, a prominent Los Angeles real estate developer who played a key role in organizing the event. «To issue this commemorative coin is a symbolic way to show that we value our relationship with the State of Israel… Prime Minister Golda Meir is the perfect person to be on this coin as she is arguably the reason the US-Israel relationship is as strong as it is today.»
Few people realize that Israel’s first female Prime Minister—and the Middle East’s first female head of state—had deep American roots. Born in Kiev in 1898, Golda Meir spent her formative years in Milwaukee and Denver after immigrating to the United States in 1906. These American experiences shaped the leadership style and values that would define her historic career. Today, Denver’s Golda Meir House Museum and Education Center stands as a testament to her extraordinary journey from the American Midwest to becoming Israel’s pioneering leader.
The timing of this commemoration carries particular weight. As Israel faces one of its most challenging periods since the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Meir’s legacy as a leader during crisis resonates deeply. The former Israeli Consul General to New York Israel Nitzan drew powerful parallels between 1973 and the present day, noting how Israel, though surprised by attacks in both instances, demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination.
A bipartisan group of legislators showed their support, including Representatives Amata Radewagen (American Samoa), Tom McClintock (R-CA 5th District), Brad Schneider (D-IL 10th District), Ralph Norman (R-SC 5th District), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL 25th District), Kim Schrier (D-WA 8th District), and Paul Gosar (R-AZ 8th District).
Each emphasized the enduring strength of US-Israel relations and the importance of commemorating Meir’s legacy through H.R.987, the Prime Minister Golda Meir Commemorative Coin Act. The legislation directs the Treasury Department to mint up to 50,000 $5 gold coins, 400,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins, with surcharges benefiting the American Friends of Kiryat Sanz Laniado Hospital Inc.
The event showcased broad international support for Israel, with particularly moving remarks from the Ambassador of Albania Ervin Bushati who proudly recalled his country’s unique distinction of saving its entire Jewish population during World War II. The Dutch Ambassador Birgitta Tazelaar acknowledged rising antisemitism in Europe, announcing a €4.5 million commitment to combat this growing threat following the shocking pogrom in Amsterdam.
Representatives from Sweden, Zambia, Poland, and Croatia also attended, highlighting the global significance of Meir’s legacy.
Student activist Shabbos Kestenbaum delivered a powerful message about the current challenges of antisemitism on college campuses. His Harvard experience highlighted the broader implications for American democracy: «When my classmates chant death to Israel, they almost always chant death to America as well.»
Meir’s vision for international cooperation, particularly regarding Africa, received special attention. Despite Israel’s nascent status during her leadership, she prioritized providing aid to African nations. Bishop Dennis Nthumbi, Africa Director of the Israel Allies Foundation, comprised of 23 member countries, spoke to the enduring impact of her diplomatic approach, adding, “Zionism is a model for nationalism. She modeled a plan for independence for African countries. Africans realized they could fight their colonizers.”
One of Meir’s most quoted observations resonated throughout the event: «There will come a time when we will forgive our Arab brothers for killing our sons, but we will never forgive them for making our sons kill them.» This poignant statement encapsulates her complex understanding of conflict and peace, particularly relevant in today’s context.
The luncheon was part of a broader congressional focus on US-Israel relations, coinciding with a Senate reception celebrating the Abraham Accords. Together, these events underscored Congress’s commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations amid an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
As the 118th Congress concluded its session, participants left with renewed dedication to upholding the values of democracy, security, and mutual respect that have long characterized the US-Israel relationship.