(l-r) Moshe Kinderlehrer and Ofir Akunis.
As the Jewish community prepares to welcome Rosh Hashanah and begin a new year, Israeli Consul General in New York Ofir Akunis is looking toward the future with optimism, even as Israel continues to face war, political division and international criticism.
During a recent interview at his office, Akunis spoke with The Jewish Link about some of the pressing issues facing Israel and the Jewish community, including the changing political landscape in the United States, New York City politics, the war in Gaza and Israel’s upcoming elections. Still, as the holiday approaches, he pointed to several reasons for hope. “I’m very glad Rosh Hashanah is near, and I always prefer to be optimistic at this time of year,” Akunis said.
Akunis pointed to Israel’s economic strength. Nearly three years after the Oct. 7 attacks and the ensuing war, Israel continues to attract investment and develop across a range of industries. “The Israeli economy is one of the strongest all around the world these days,” he said. “The shekel is so strong, and there’s a lot of investments.”
He continued by highlighting Israel’s technology sector. “The AI industry in Israel is blooming,” Akunis said, also pointing to cybersecurity, firewalls and desalination.
A Changing America
At the same time, Akunis said the Jewish community is confronting a changing political environment in the United States. He pointed to the rise of political figures whose views, he said, fall outside the traditional political spectrum. “There is a big change in American society,” he said.
The shift, Akunis said, could have implications for the U.S.-Israel relationship in the years ahead. He pointed to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as an example, criticizing his positions toward Israel and noting that he has not met with anyone from Mamdani’s administration.
Akunis said his concern is not the religious background of those serving in the administration, but rather their views toward Israel. “If they’re Muslims, Jews, Druze, Christians, I don’t care,” he said. “Their religion, that’s not what matters. What matters is their attitude or their opinion about the State of Israel.”
Akunis criticized what he described as repeated attacks against Israel by officials associated with the mayor. “Every press conference, whether it’s about transportation, trash or the cost of living, they attack Israel and spread lies about Israel,” he said.
Fighting International Criticism
Akunis also spoke about international accusations of famine in Gaza, pointing to UNICEF data that contradicts claims of widespread starvation. Separately, during the interview, he held up a photograph by a Turkish photographer that he said had been used to promote the narrative of starvation. “There’s no starvation in the Gaza Strip,” he said, calling the image a “blood libel” and part of what he described as a false narrative about conditions in Gaza.
Akunis said the photograph had been staged to portray Gazans as suffering from starvation. He argued that the image was later shown to be misleading, saying, “The truth always prevails.”
He also maintained that humanitarian aid continues to enter Gaza and argued that the territory could have a prosperous future without Hamas. “If Hamas were not there, it would be great for the Gazans,” Akunis said, pointing to the United Arab Emirates as an example of the prosperity he believes is possible in the region.
Ofir Akunis holds up a UNICEF report that he says challenges claims of famine in Gaza.
A Call for Unity
Looking toward Israel’s next election, Akunis said he hopes the country will establish a national unity government. “I don’t know what the Israelis want,” he said. “I know what they need—a national unity government.”
He said such a government could help “lower the flames in Israel” and bring together Israelis across political and religious lines. “I’m talking about the seculars, the right wing, the left wing, the Orthodox, the ultra-Orthodox, the modern Orthodox, the National Zionists, all of them,” he said.
Akunis reiterated his opposition to a two-state solution, saying his position is rooted in the Jewish people’s historic connection to the land. “You must believe that this is your land,” he said. “This is our right to live in our homeland, our ancient homeland.”
Looking Ahead
As Rosh Hashanah approaches, Akunis returned to a theme particularly fitting for the holiday: looking toward the future with confidence. He recalled former Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir being asked about his dream for Israel. Shamir answered that he wanted to see 10 million Jews living in the country.
“We are getting closer,” Akunis said. “We’re almost there.”
For Akunis, that vision represents more than a demographic milestone. It reflects his broader belief that Israel’s future remains one of growth and possibility despite the challenges of the present.
Rachel Abramchayev is the digital editor at The Jewish Link.