PRESIDENT OF WORLD JEWISH CONGRESS: ‘I’VE KNOWN TRUMP 50 YEARS, HE’LL BE A STRONG ADVOCATE FOR ISRAEL’: While voicing concern about rising antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment around the globe, World Jewish Congress President, Ronald Lauder, stresses that Israel is still the only thriving democracy in the Middle East, and that the USA-Israel relationship remains strong despite recent tension. In an exclusive interview with Israel’s daily, The Jerusalem Post, Lauder – the preeminent leader of global Jewry – says last year’s Iran deal put an unfortunate strain on USA-Israel ties, “but I am confident that President- elect Donald Trump, who I’ve had the pleasure of knowing for nearly 50 years, will be a strong and resolute advocate for the Jewish state.” When Lauder was asked what he views as the main challenges facing the world today, he replied: "There’s no denying that we face tumultuous times and consequential challenges, from the spread of ISIS and radical Islam, to the greatest humanitarian crisis in recent history in Syria. The loss of life and suffering is staggering, and unrest in the Middle East is unsettling for all of us who care deeply about a secure Jewish homeland.”