Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By richards on January 1, 2013

By Michael Finch II, Amy Sherman and Elinor J. Brecher The Miami Herald

In Israel, hes already known as Bibis Brain: Prime Minister Benjamin Bibi Netanyahus master strategist.

But Ron Dermer, 42-year-old Miami Beach native, now Israeli citizen the son of one Miami Beach mayor and brother of another could soon add an official title to his resume: Mr. Ambassador.

Dermer is reportedly Netanyahus choice for Israeli ambassador to the United States to replace Michael Oren, who plans to step down in the spring after four years.

A political conservative with close ties to powerful American Republicans, Dermer would become Israels top diplomat in the United States, a position requiring the ability to represent his countrys interests across U.S. party lines.

Netanyahus office hasnt commented on the reports. A spokesman for the Israeli consulate in Miami could not confirm the possible appointment, nor could Dermers older brother, former Mayor David Dermer, who called any speculation premature. A spokesman for the Israeli embassy in Washington told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that the rumor was baseless. In any case, the Netanyahu government would have to survive a Parliamentary election later this month.

An Oxford-educated scholar-athlete who holds degrees in finance and management from the University of Pennsylvanias prestigious Wharton School, and who quarterbacked Israels flag football World Cup team three times, Dermer is known as smart, polished, and so competitive that he wouldnt let a 3-year-old beat him at Ping-Pong, friend Tom Rose, former Jerusalem Post publisher, once said in an interview.

Dermer cannot abide anybody being better at him than anything, particularly physically, Rose said.

The mere speculation that Dermer might be named seemed to thrill South Florida politicians from both parties.

Its wonderful one of our own being Israels ambassador to the U.S., said U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Miami, who knows Dermer. It is just terrific. He is American as apple pie yet Israeli at heart as well. It is a good fit. He is very much a proud Miami Beach guy very proud of his hometown.

See the original post here:
Possible future Israeli ambassador holds two countries in his heart

Category: Jewish American Heritage Month
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