Science Minister Ofir Akunis was unanimously appointed Israel's Consul General in New York during Sunday's cabinet meeting.
Akunis said that he was taking on the role during a historical rise of antisemitism in academia and American streets not seen since the first mass waves of Jewish immigration to the United States.
Unity between Israel and the diaspora was key to the success of both communities, said Akunis. The former Science Minister said the Diaspora sought the support of Israel, and soon after his appointment, Akunis visited the Western Wall and placed a prayer for the peace of the Jewish people in Israel and the diaspora.
"For the victory over our enemies, the safe return of our forces and the kidnapped to their families and homes," wrote on the paper he put into the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
During his cabinet announcement statement, he said that there was no struggle more justified than the fight for the existence of the state of Israel.
Thanking PM Netanyahu for the most important calling
"I stand firm as a Jew, a Zionist, as an Israeli, and this is the correct order," said Akunis. "To serve the state of Israel and the Jewish people is the most important calling a person can request."
Akunis thanked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the other ministers for their support.
Netanyahu told Akunius to protect the truth as he took on the consular role at an important junction.
"There is a lot of public diplomacy work and a huge war in New York and also in the US, which is obviously the most important arena," said Netanyahu.
Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that Akunis would be key in winning political backing for a military victory, and lack of success on the diplomacy front would create legal and political legitimacy difficulties with international organizations over the right of Israel's self-defense.
UJA - Federation of New York CEO Eric S. Goldstein welcomed Akunis's appointment and said it looked forward to working with him.
"In this very challenging time, the special relationship between Israel and New York is ever more important," said UJA Federation of New York.
Akunis's Science portfolio will be transferred to Intelligence Minister Gila Gamliel, and the Intelligence portfolio will be absorbed into the Prime Minister's Office.