Center for Jewish Impact Honors Cyprus President at UNGA Side Event

As world leaders convened in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, a different kind of gathering took place: a side event hosted by the Center for Jewish Impact together with B’nai B’rith International. Its purpose? To recognize and honor President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus for his steadfast partnership with Israel at a pivotal moment in regional history.

In a warm fireside chat led by Robert Singer, Chairman of the Center for Jewish Impact, President Christodoulides spoke with candor about the responsibilities of regional leadership how energy, security, innovation, and people-to-people ties can anchor cooperation rather than conflict. The discussion emphasized that true partnerships aren’t just symbolic, but strategic and sustained.

Christodoulides framed Cyprus as more than a neighbor. He insisted the island can act as a bridge between Europe and the Middle East, and not a mere geographic bystander a partner that chooses to contribute to stability rather than succumb to the chaos around it.

Singer echoed that vision, declaring: “The partnership between Israel and Cyprus is more vital than ever. It provides regional stability, connects Europe and the Middle East, and creates opportunities in energy, security, and human connections.”

From the B’nai B’rith perspective, the event carried deeper resonance. Daniel S. Mariaschin, CEO of B’nai B’rith International, noted the historic ties between the Jewish people and Cyprus and how the modern Israel–Cyprus bond has grown on that foundation. “This meeting is another expression of a strong and mutually respectful engagement,” he said.

The event also underscored the power of public diplomacy. Bringing together diplomats, community leaders, and influencers in an intimate, transparent forum showed how shared values can translate into solid cooperation. It is a reminder that the relationships between nations must rest not only on policy but on trust, dialogue, and human connection.

Indeed, the Israel–Cyprus relationship is not a new phenomenon. Over the years, the two countries have built collaborations in energy, security, and infrastructure. In recent years, Israel and Cyprus have even coordinated on energy projects and defense partnerships, strengthening their strategic alignment in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Still, Cyprus’s leadership has had to walk a delicate line balancing domestic and international pressures, maintaining credibility on the Palestinian issue, and navigating geopolitical rivalry in the region. Christodoulides has been mindful of that, particularly as energy negotiations and regional dynamics intensify.

By honoring him at UNGA, the Jewish Impact–B’nai B’rith joint event sent a clear message: Israel values courageous partners who step forward in moments of uncertainty. It affirmed that diplomacy is not merely symbolic, but part of how nations build their future together.

Israel embraces true alliances rooted in mutual respect, shared purpose, and bold vision. If you believe in stories of partnership and purpose, feel free to share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates and join us for more.