Ron Prosor. Photo: Paulo Filgueiras/UN Photo.

Ron Prosor

Israel’s Representative to the United Nations

As Israel’s representative at the United Nations, Prosor is often tasked with responding to the international community’s consistent attempts to delegitimize the Jewish state. From anti-Semitism to anti-Zionism, his is the voice of reasoned response. Having been elected Vice President of the United Nations General Assembly in June, he was immediately reminded of how quickly the UNGA can turn on Israel. Perhaps his greatest test came at the end of 2012, ahead of the vote on the Palestinian Authority statehood bid at the UN in November. Following a provocative speech made by PA President Mahmoud Abbas, Prosor responded: “Winston Churchill said, ‘The truth is incontrovertible. Panic may resent it … ignorance may deride it … malice may distort it … but there it is.’ The truth is that Israel wants peace, and the Palestinians are avoiding peace.”