The American Zionist Movement was recognized as an advisory group to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on Wednesday, according to Israel's ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan.
The movement will now be able to participate in UN events and debates and hold events on its behalf within the UN.
What is the American Zionist Movement?
The AZM was established in 1993 to bring the Jewish community in the US closer to Zionism. The movement promotes dialogue and cooperation between various Zionist organizations.
Erdan and the Israeli delegation have worked extensively in the past year to promote AZM's candidacy.
"We have proven that Zionism is no longer a dirty word in the halls of the UN," said Erdan. "I congratulate AZM, which is leading an important effort to strengthen the State of Israel – and I am sure that the movement will now be able to expand and deepen its work and influence even more."
"We have proven that Zionism is no longer a dirty word in the halls of the UN."
Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan
The President of the American Zionist Movement Deborah Isaac said, “Today is a great day for Zionism. As the American Zionist Movement (AZM) has now achieved NGO Special Consultative Status at the UN, AZM has a platform from which to move the discussion of Zionism and support for Israel in the United Nations from a negative to a positive. We are grateful to the Permanent Mission of Israel to the UN, under the leadership of Ambassador Gilad Erdan, for assisting us in achieving this status."
Zvika Klein contributed to this report.