Video: US Embassy hosts 'celebration of democracy'

Amb. Shapiro: US, Israel stand squarely together.

By TOVAH LAZAROFF
A band playing at US Embassy event 370 (photo credit: TOVAH LAZAROFF)
A band playing at US Embassy event 370
(photo credit: TOVAH LAZAROFF)
“What is the magic number?” asked a man on stilts, dressed as Uncle Sam, at the US Embassy pre-election party at Tel Aviv’s Dan Panorama Hotel on Tuesday night.
In one corner of a large ballroom decked out in flags and red, white and blue balloons, Uncle Sam was holding a trivia quiz, looking to see if anyone knew how many electoral votes were needed to secure the White House.
“Two hundred and seventy,” shouted out someone above the music.
“Correct,” he answered.
Wearing white gloves, a blue jacket and red baggy pants, Uncle Sam swayed a bit on the stilts as he walked.
Behind him, a woman in a bowler hat was handing out popcorn. There was no humous in sight, instead, guests were treated to the typical American fare of hot dogs and hamburgers.
On hand to greet the students, diplomats and American and Israeli guests was US Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro.
“It is great to celebrate our democracy on our election day in Israel, because Israel is a fellow democracy that shares our values and our commitment to human rights and those ties are the foundation of the relationship,” he said.
“The relationship has been characterized by close cooperation and a deep commitment to Israel’s security,” Shapiro added.
The two countries stand squarely together in facing the challenges of the region, he said, expressing that he expects that same close cooperation to continue, no matter which candidate wins.
Shapiro would not say for whom he voted, except to explain that he had done so by absentee ballot at his dining room table in Israel, with his daughters looking on.
In the morning, he said, “the American people’s choice will be the winner, and all Americans will pull together to help that president be successful for the next four years.”


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