American Jewish Committee Leaders Meet King Abdullah II, Queen Noor

American Jewish Committee
Saturday, 13 March 1999

The American Jewish Committee met today with Jordan's King Abdullah II and together pledged to continue working jointly on projects that will keep the spirit of the late King Hussein alive.

AJC officers visited Jordan to pay condolence calls on King Abdullah and the late King Hussein's widow, Queen Noor. The meetings, which were held in Akaba, marked the first meeting between AJC and the new Jordanian leader.

"The relationship between His Majesty and your organization goes back a long time," King Abdullah, referring to his late father, told the AJC delegation. "The doors of communication are always open" between Jordan and the American Jewish Committee, he added.

"His Majesty had always been deeply moved by your efforts in the United States," the King said. "You'll see in me an extension of His Majesty. We are all committed to continuing in his path."

The Jordanian leader expressed deep appreciation for the American Jewish Committee's advocacy efforts on behalf of the peace process and, specifically, in helping Jordan to obtain additional foreign aid from the United States.

King Abdullah also spoke at length of his commitment to the peace process.

And, citing the economy as a major priority, King Abdullah said he is planning to develop within the next six months an economic and social development plan for Jordan.

AJC President Bruce M. Ramer reminisced about AJC meetings with the late King Hussein over the years. "He left an indelible imprint on all of us who met him," Ramer told Queen Noor.

Ramer presented, in memory of King Hussein, the American Liberties Medallion, the American Jewish Committee's highest honor.

Queen Noor expressed happiness that AJC leaders had spent time with King Hussein. "You will carry with you what is sustaining us - someone who was so full of humanity, compassion and faith," she said. "His family is determined to sustain those qualities. I welcome you as part of our larger family."

The Queen invited AJC to bring its own educational and conflict resolution resources to the work of a new foundation she and her family plan to establish next week in memory of the late Jordanian leader.

The new foundation will launch and sustain projects to keep King Hussein's "spirit alive," she said. "Cling to the idealistic spirit. It is the greatest motivator of progress" on the path to peace.

For more information, or to contact American Jewish Committee, see their website at: www.ajc.org