"For the first time in many years, perhaps even in decades, there is no daylight between our two governments," Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer said at the opening of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee's annual policy conference on Sunday. Speaking to some 18,000 AIPAC supporters who came to Washington from across North America, Dermer heaped praise on the new administration. Dermer said that "Israel has no better friend" than Vice President Mike Pence, who in his keynote speech Sunday night revived talk of the U.S. possibly moving its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The Israeli ambassador also noted the "meeting of the minds" between Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump during the prime minister's meeting in Washington last month. "Both of our governments recognize that foremost among [our] challenges remains Iran," Dermer said. "Both recognize that the worst outcome that could emerge from the horrific carnage in Syria would be to effectively cede parts of Syria to Iran and Hezbollah." On peace in the Middle East, Dermer did not go into detail but said there was now "a real prospect" for "reconciliation in the region." Dermer also lauded U.S. Ambassador to the United Nation Nikki Haley, who is scheduled to speak at the conference on Monday, for "finally bringing some moral clarity" to the United Nations. "We can finally work seriously to put an end once and for all to the anti-Israel majority in the [U.N.]," he added. In her opening remarks, AIPAC President Lillian Pinkus discussed the difficulties of operating in an increasingly polarized political climate, calling AIPAC an island of bipartisanship. "Our nation is embroiled in difficult debates touching on who we are, what we believe, and what values we prioritize," Pinkus said. "Americans across the country are retreating into ideological corners. Support for Israel is not immune. Elements on each side of the aisle are trying to fracture our movement. We will not allow, frankly cannot allow, support for Israel to fall victim to the same divisiveness that overwhelms [other issues]. We will work harder than ever before to hold the ideological center." Beyond the speeches, the crowd was also treated to a video about the Peres Center for Peace that featured an interview given by former President Shimon Peres shortly before his death last year. The video included the touching story of Yusuf, a 12-year-old boy from the Arab town of Halhul, near Hebron. Born with a severe heart ailment, Yusuf was just one month old when, thanks to the center's Saving Children project, he underwent a successful, life-saving operation at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem. "If they remember me for saving just one child's life, that's enough for me," Peres said in the video. When it ended, Yusuf made a surprise entrance along with Chemi Peres, the son of the former president. Yusuf thanked the Peres Center and asked everyone in attendance to "continue working for peace." Also Monday, Netanyahu was expected to address the conference via live broadcast from Israel. Opposition Leader Isaac Herzog, who is in Washington to attend the conference, will also deliver a speech. Aside from the Israeli politicians, much of the attention at the conference will be reserved for the American lawmakers. Among those scheduled to speak are House Speaker Paul Ryan, House Democrat Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senate Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Senate Democrat Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
