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Edited by: TJVNews.com
In a recent announcement, President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Steven Witkoff, a close confidant and prominent Jewish businessman, as his special envoy to the Middle East. Trump described Witkoff, who has a distinguished career in real estate and philanthropy, as a “highly-respected leader” poised to make significant contributions to peace efforts in the region. JNS.org reported that Witkoff’s appointment signals Trump’s continued focus on strengthening U.S.-Israel relations and building stronger diplomatic bridges across the Middle East.
David Friedman, former U.S. ambassador to Israel, lauded the decision, praising Witkoff as a “brilliant businessman and a lover of Israel.” According to Friedman, Witkoff’s presence will be warmly received across Middle Eastern leadership circles due to his diplomatic approach and strong support for Israel.
Steven Witkoff’s credentials, as noted by Trump and detailed by JNS.org, underscore his extensive experience in real estate. He is chairman and CEO of Witkoff, a real estate firm he established in 1997, which has successfully led projects across major U.S. cities and abroad. His career includes the financing, repositioning, and construction of over 70 properties, which have contributed significantly to local economic growth. Beyond real estate, Witkoff’s influence spans law and public service. Trump highlighted his role on the Real Estate Board of New York’s executive committee and his involvement with the Jeffrey Modell Foundation, among other charitable boards.
The depth of Witkoff’s expertise and leadership extends into academia and the arts, as JNS.org noted. He chairs the real estate advisory board of the Miami Business School, serves as a trustee at Hofstra University, and has held a position on the board of trustees for the prestigious John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This background, coupled with his philanthropy and ties to influential organizations, aligns with Trump’s vision for a diplomatic envoy who combines business acumen with a commitment to public service.
Born and raised in the Bronx, Witkoff has long been a visible supporter of Trump. In his early legal career, he was among Trump’s clients, and over the years, he has become a significant donor to Trump’s political action initiatives. Witkoff’s approach to business and diplomacy is shaped by his Jewish heritage, and he has a deep connection to the state of Israel. According to a 1999 profile cited by JNS.org, Witkoff’s resilience and determination in New York’s real estate industry were defining aspects of his character, illustrated by his gritty approach to collecting rents in challenging neighborhoods—a testament to his commitment to success and accountability.
The American Jewish Committee (AJC) has expressed optimism about Witkoff’s role in advancing U.S.-Israel relations, alongside Governor Mike Huckabee, who has been nominated as the ambassador to Israel. Ted Deutch, CEO of the AJC, stated that the organization looks forward to collaborating with both Witkoff and Huckabee to reinforce the bonds between American Jewry, Israel, and the broader diaspora. Deutch emphasized that Witkoff’s appointment as special Middle East envoy and Huckabee’s ambassadorship will be instrumental in “bolstering U.S.-Israel relations” and deepening connections across Jewish communities in the United States and Israel.
As JNS.org highlighted, Witkoff’s appointment comes at a time of heightened diplomatic efforts across the Middle East, with challenges ranging from security threats to strengthening bilateral ties. His new role positions him as a pivotal figure within Trump’s administration to facilitate strategic dialogue and promote stability in the region.
