AJC — May 15, 2025
Here are American Jewish Committee's top stories and resources of the day to help you stay informed, share the facts, and rally your networks to take action in support of Israel and against rising antisemitism.
1. What To Know About President Trump's Middle East Tour
During his multi-stop Middle East visit, President Trump pushed a broad diplomatic and economic agenda.
In Saudi Arabia: Trump announced $142 billion in arms deals and a $600 billion investment pledge, expressing hope Saudi Arabia would soon join the Abraham Accords—a milestone he called a "special day in the Middle East." Trump also announced lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria to encourage ties with Israel.
On Thursday, Israel's Channel 12 reported that Israel is holding UAE-sponsored talks with Syria's al-Sharaa. Discussions have reportedly included Syria joining the Abraham Accords.
In Qatar: Trump said the U.S. is getting close to a deal and urged the Iranian regime to stop sponsoring terror and end its nuclear ambitions permanently. During his visit, the U.S. and Qatar signed agreements to generate an economic exchange worth at least $1.2 trillion.
In the UAE: The U.S. and the UAE finalized a technology framework agreement aimed at increasing bilateral cooperation and curbing China's influence in the region.
AJC Analysis in Algemeiner: Benjamin Rogers, AJC Director of Middle East and North Africa Initiatives, explores what's at stake as President Trump visits the Middle East and why now is a critical moment to reignite Israeli-Arab integration.
2. What to Know About U.S.-Iran Negotiations
Over the weekend in Oman, U.S. negotiators reported they held difficult but useful nuclear talks with Iran, focusing on limiting uranium enrichment. Iranian officials voiced skepticism, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi calling the talks challenging, while President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the U.S. as the most destructive force in the region. Despite progress, Israeli leaders remain wary of any Iran deal that preserves uranium enrichment, viewing it as a threat to regional security.
3. AJC in the News: Pope Leo XIV's Letter to AJC Covered Around the World
Following his election as the 267th pope, Pope Leo XIV sent a personalized message to AJC pledging to continue and strengthen the Church's dialogue and cooperation with the Jewish people in the spirit of the Second Vatican Council's Declaration Nostra Aetate, the groundbreaking 1965 declaration that transformed Catholic-Jewish interactions and which AJC was instrumental in helping to shape. This unprecedented outreach to AJC, so early in Pope Leo's papacy, has been covered internationally in Jewish, Catholic, and major media outlets, including Reuters, National Catholic Register, and Jewish News Syndicate. At the personal invitation of the Vatican, Rabbi Noam Marans, AJC Director of Interreligious Affairs, and Lisa Palmieri-Billig, AJC's Rome-based Liaison to the Holy See, will represent AJC at this Sunday's Inauguration Mass at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City.
4. U.S. House of Reps Passes Resolution Calling on Elected Leaders to Counter Antisemitism
The U.S. House of Representatives approved a bipartisan resolution on Wednesday, in the middle of Jewish American Heritage Month, that calls on the executive branch and state and local leaders to take all possible steps to ensure the safety, security, and dignity of American Jews in all aspects of their lives, including the workplace, college and university campuses, synagogues, and at home. The resolution also honors Jewish American inventors who made an impact on Americans' daily lives, including Irving Naxon who conceived the slow cooker, Sylvan Goldman who designed the first shopping cart, and Ruth Handler who introduced Barbie to the world.
What AJC is Saying: We commend the House of Representatives for passing a resolution during Jewish American Heritage Month calling on elected leaders to condemn and counter antisemitism. This month is a great opportunity for Americans to reflect on the contributions and challenges of Jewish Americans throughout our history. Thank you to Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa), and Troy Carter (D-La) for leading this important resolution.
5. Day 587 Hostages Update: U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff Shares New Proposal; Negotiations Continue in Qatar
The Latest on Hostage Talks: U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has outlined a new proposal in Doha to free all hostages in Gaza, end the war, and remove Hamas from power, according to several news reports. While Israel has engaged seriously, Hamas continues to stall, offering only vague signals and rejecting key terms such as disarming, according to news reports. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed that Israel is not giving up on a single one of Israel's war aims, as talks remain focused on securing the release of all 58 remaining hostages. Witkoff told hostage families in Tel Aviv this week that diplomacy has worked more often than not, but only when paired with pressure. While Israel has a diplomatic team on the ground in Doha pushing for a deal, Israel's security cabinet has made clear it's prepared to escalate militarily if Hamas refuses the deal.
6. War and Additional Updates
Pregnant Israeli Murdered in West Bank Terror Attack: In devastating news overnight, Israeli Tzeela Gez succumbed to her wounds sustained in a West Bank terror shooting while driving to the hospital to deliver her baby with her husband, Hananel. May Tzeela's memory be a blessing. Hananel was lightly wounded in the attack and the baby, who was delivered via emergency cesarean, is in serious condition. The IDF has launched a manhunt for the Palestinian terrorist. Israeli President Isaac Herzog strongly condemned the shooting, calling it a "spine-chilling, horrific act of terror that shakes us to the core."
IDF Targets Sinwar: The IDF continued its targeted airstrikes against terror cells operating in an underground command and control facility in the European Hospital in southern Gaza today, eliminating several terrorists and destroying key infrastructure. The military is reportedly targeting Hamas chief Muhammad Sinwar, the brother of Yahya Sinwar and mastermind of the October 7 massacre, who was killed by the IDF in October 2024. The IDF has not confirmed if Sinwar was killed in any of the strikes.
Houthis Fire More Missiles at Israelis: The Iran-backed Houthis continued to indiscriminately fire ballistic missiles at Israel over the last day. Israel's defense systems intercepted the missiles and no injuries were reported. At least one of the missiles was fired during President Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia. Since October 7, 2023, the Houthis have launched around 375 projectiles at the Jewish state.
7. Campus Update: AJC Commends NYU's Swift Response to Graduation Speech Falsely Accusing Israel of Genocide
What AJC is Saying: We thank New York University for its swift and unequivocal response to the unsanctioned and one-sided speech at the Gallatin School's graduation, which falsely accused Israel of committing genocide. As the school wrote, it's a shame that this moment was stolen by someone who abused a privilege that was conferred upon him. NYU's clear denouncement and commitment to disciplinary action sends an important message that graduation is not a bully pulpit.
AJC's Center for Education Advocacy disseminates thoughtful guidance for education administrators on a range of topics, including how to mitigate protests at graduation and commencement ceremonies.
Why it Matters Right Now: AJC led a landmark collaboration with higher education associations representing thousands of colleges and universities to fight campus antisemitism by committing to continuing consequential reform and transparent action. The joint pledge is a direct result of AJC's proven work alongside academic leaders in creating safe and inclusive spaces for Jewish students and faculty.
8. AJC Marks 60 Years of German-Israel Diplomatic Relations
The AJC Berlin Lawrence and Lee Ramer Institute for German-Jewish Relations and the University of Potsdam co-hosted an academic conference marking the 60th anniversary of German-Israeli diplomatic relations earlier this week. As the first American Jewish organization to establish a post-Holocaust presence in Germany, AJC is proud to help deepen this vital partnership. The conference traced the evolution of these ties, from the early relationship between David Ben-Gurion and Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, to contemporary perspectives on German-Israeli relations, as well as what the future holds for the alliance. Focusing on the history of diplomacy, panelists from Germany, Israel, and the U.S. explored the influence of personal relationships between heads of government, academic collaboration, and the role of European integration.
9. In D.C., AJC's Transatlantic Friends of Israel Calls for Transatlantic Strategy on Iran
Transatlantic Friends of Israel (TFI), a cross-party, inter-parliamentary group spearheaded by AJC, released a statement Thursday signed by legislators from the United States and Europe urging decisive and strategic action to deter the Iranian regime's aggression and destabilizing behavior. The TFI interparliamentary group released the urgent appeal this morning alongside an AJC-convened bipartisan roundtable discussion on Capitol Hill. The event was led by TFI Co-Chairs Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) and Brad Schneider (D-IL), and included a delegation of leading European parliamentarians, including Andreas Minnich, the Chairman of Austria's TFI Chapter and a member of the Austrian People's Party (VP).
10. New AJC Explainer: Cannes, Hamas, and the Weaponization of Grief
The glamorous Cannes Film Festival draws Hollywood stars to the French Riviera annually. But this year, instead of honoring artistic expression and human dignity, some celebrities are using Cannes to amplify a false narrative: accusing Israel of genocide. Here's what you need to know about the false genocide claim and how the tragic death of Fatima Hassouna is being manipulated.
Noa Argamani: We Can't Heal Until Every Hostage Comes Home
In an exclusive sit-down interview at AJC Global Forum 2025, Noa Argamani, one of the most recognized survivors of Hamas captivity and who was named one of TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2025, delivers a powerful and emotional call to action. As an Israeli and Jewish woman, Noa urges the world to keep talking about the hostages still held in Gaza, including her partner, Avinatan. "It could have been any of us," she says. "Time is running out—we cannot look away."