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Pence in Chanukah call: Trump ‘greatest friend ever’ of Israel

“When you think of the accomplishments over the last four years, I know for many it seems almost surreal,” said Pence.

By Lauren Marcus, World Israel News

On Tuesday evening, Vice-President Mike Pence looked back on the Trump administration’s victories for Israel in a call with Jewish community leaders, Jewish Insider reported.

In the pre-recorded 10-minute phone call one day before the White House’s annual Chanukah party, Pence said, “It’s been such an extraordinary honor for me to serve as your vice president, alongside the greatest friend and strongest defender of the state of Israel and the Jewish people — ever to sit in the Oval Office — President Donald Trump.”

“When you think of the accomplishments over the last four years, I know for many it seems almost surreal.”

The U.S. relocating its embassy to Jerusalem, U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and the Golan Heights as Israeli territory, and Trump’s unilateral withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 were all mentioned by Pence.

Pence also highlighted the nomination and appointment of Amy Coney Barrett as a Trump administration achievement for religious freedom.

He cited the recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down New York governor Andrew Cuomo’s restrictions closing houses of worship, in which Coney Barrett tipped the balance for the decision.

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Mentioning the recent death of former British Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Pence called him a “true Eved HaShem — a humble servant of God.”

Pence avoided discussing the election results and the Trump administration’s ongoing legal battles

“While we have much yet to do, I wanted to take this opportunity just to extend our very best wishes to all the great leaders and friends on this call,” he said.

“All of you across the country have supported us in every way that you can, but most especially your prayer.”

Pence is an outspoken Evangelical Christian. He has stated that his pro-Israel stance comes from his religious beliefs.

“My support for Israel stems largely from my personal faith,” he told Congressional Quarterly in 2002.

“God promises Abraham, ‘those who bless you, I will bless, and those who curse you, I will curse.’”