By COLlive reporter
President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Middle East peace, Jason Greenblatt, will leave the administration, the New York Times reported.
Greenblatt, Assistant to the President and Special Representative for International Negotiations, has worked closely since early 2017 with Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, on negotiations between Israel and Arabs.
The White House announced on Thursday that Greenblatt will stay in his role over the next few weeks until President Trump unveils his peace plan, expected sometime after the Israeli election on September 17. Then, he is expected to return to his family in New Jersey.
The son of Hungarian Jewish refugees, Jason Dov Greenblatt grew up in Forest Hills, Queens, and was educated at Yeshiva Dov Revel, the Marsha Stern Talmudical Academy, and Yeshiva University. In 1992, Greenblatt received a JD degree from the New York University School of Law.
Greenblatt, an Orthodox Jew, was the executive vice president and chief legal officer to Donald Trump and the Trump Organization. He lives in Teaneck, New Jersey, with his wife Dr. Naomi Greenblatt and six children.
Greenblatt played an important role in the bold decisions President Trump took in support of Israel, such as recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and moving the US Embassy there.
In an interview with COLlive.com before the elections, Greenblatt stated: “Mr. Trump has made no secret of his support for Israel and his commitment to keeping Israel strong, safe and secure.”
When he moved into his home in Washington, DC, Greenblatt had the Shluchim from American Friends of Lubavitch kosher his kitchen and forging a friendship with Rabbi Levi Shemtov, Head Shliach of Washington, DC.
After the deadly shooting attack on Chabad of Poway in California, Greenblatt joined Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein in paying a Shiva visit to Dr. Howard Kaye, husband of Lori Kaye HY”D, who was murdered in the attack.
“After almost 3 years in my Administration, Jason Greenblatt will be leaving to pursue work in the private sector,” President Trump wrote on Twitter.
“Jason has been a loyal and great friend and fantastic lawyer. His dedication to Israel and to seeking peace between Israel and the Palestinians won’t be forgotten. He will be missed. Thank you Jason!”
Avi Berkowitz, Deputy Assistant to the President, and Brian Hook, Special Representative for Iran, will take on an increased role on the team after Greenblatt’s departure.
Mr. Greenblatt, thank you so much for your outstanding service to the USA and for your unflinching support of Israel against its terrorist enemies.