Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen has gifted outgoing U.S. Ambassador Tom Nides with a diplomatic passport in appreciation of the latter’s service.
“That’s so, so cool,” said Nides upon receiving the document during a send-off meeting with Cohen. “This is the best thing I’ve gotten ever.”
The inscription in the passport reads: “Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, a bridge between nations and people, heading back home with a mission to bring our message to the United States.
“Once an Ambassador, always an Ambassador. Once in Israel, Israel is always in your heart. Challenging times, your mission not yet accomplished.”
Nides cited personal reasons for leaving his post, having been away from his family since December 2021.
“Tom has worked with characteristic energy and skill to further strengthen the special bond between the United States and Israel, and to advance U.S. diplomatic, economic and security interests,” said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
“We will all miss having him represent us in Israel but I know he is looking forward to some well-deserved time with his family,” he added.
