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November 19th, 2025 | Washington, D.C.
The Rays of Light in the Darkness awards Dinner is the nation’s premier event that strengthens leaders who speak the truth about Israel and the Middle East, despite the political cost they face every day.
These leaders share the belief in a strong United States, a self-sufficient Israel. They support the security of the United States and our allies against terrorism, even when it may seem unpopular.
EMET is the first organization of its kind to honor these speakers of truth who stand up in the face of deception and violence, sometimes at great political or physical risk to themselves and their loved ones.
Register now ([link removed])
** Learn more about our Honoree,
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** Ambassador Yechiel (Michael) Leiter
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On January 27, 2025 Ambassador Leiter officially assumed his role as Israel’s Ambassador to Washington. Leiter replaced Michael Herzog, who served in the position for approximately three years.
Leiter is a public figure with extensive experience in policy-making and strategic consulting. Among his prominent roles, he served as an advisor to the late Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Chief of Staff to then-Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (2004–2005), Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Education (2001–2004), and Acting Chairman of the Israel Ports Company. Dr. Leiter holds a bachelor's degree in Law and Political Science, a master’s degree in International Relations from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and a Ph.D. in Political Philosophy from the University of Haifa. His post-doctoral research on the philosophy of John Locke was published by Cambridge University Press.
Throughout his career, he has managed international projects, collaborated with Jewish and Christian communities around the world, and led strategic initiatives to strengthen Israel’s position on the global stage.
“The relationship between Israel and the United States is built on shared values and interests, as well as on broad cooperation that has endured for decades. I am determined to continue strengthening this unique bond, to deepen the strategic partnership, to promote stability in the Middle East, and to enhance the security and prosperity of the people of Israel,” said Ambassador Leiter. He added:
“I carry with me the pain of the families who lost their loved ones in the renewed War of Independence that was forced upon us, but I also bring with me the resilience of the people of Israel, determined to win the war against evil: to defeat Hamas, bring our hostages home, and never allow Iran’s proxies to threaten our borders.”
Ambassador Leiter expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Netanyahu for the trust he placed in him.
“The Prime Minister has steered our national ship through the stormiest of seas and is now leading us to safe harbor. It is an honor for me to represent him and the people of Israel at this critical moment in our national history.”
The ambassador also addressed cooperation with the Trump administration, stating:
“There is no doubt that a true friend of Israel and the Jewish people has returned to the White House. Together with the Trump administration, we will work to strengthen security and stability and to formulate an effective regional strategy against the Iranian threat.”
Ambassador Leiter also emphasized the importance of bipartisan support for the U.S.-Israel relationship:
“Bipartisan support for Israel is a foundational element of our relationship with the United States, and I intend to work with both Republicans and Democrats to keep Israel a unifying issue that transcends party lines.”
Ambassador Leiter is a father of eight and a grandfather to many. His eldest son, Major Moshe Yedidya Leiter, a physician and Israeli Air Force officer, and father of six, fell in battle while leading IDF forces into Gaza on November 10, 2023.
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Read now: From Personal Loss to National Service: An Interview with Ambassador Yechiel Leiter ([link removed])
Please register to come see him in person on November 19, 2025, when the Ambassador will be honored by the Endowment for Middle East Truth at our annual Rays of Light in the Darkness Dinner.
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