“We sincerely thank Ambassador Pyatt for the generous time afforded us,” Supreme President Horiates said. “The United States and Greece are experiencing the ‘Golden Years’ of their enduring relationship. Along with strong military and strategic cooperation, growth in energy and tech sectors are positive developments, vital to the interests of both countries.  As it has for nearly a century, AHEPA is proud to serve as a bridge between the two nations, lending its support to the flourishing relationship.”

When asked about Turkey’s stated plans to survey for natural resources in areas over which Greece and Cyprus assert jurisdiction in the Eastern Mediterranean, Ambassador Pyatt responded, “We urge Turkish authorities to halt any plans for operations and to avoid steps that raise tensions in the region.  Such actions are provocative and raise tensions in the region.  Resource development in the Eastern Mediterranean should promote cooperation and provide a foundation for durable energy security and economic prosperity throughout the region.”

Our organizations are pleased the much anticipated Eastern Mediterranean pipeline received its final green light with the approval of the Israeli government. The cooperation amongst Israel, Greece, Cyprus, plus Italy, will help Europe to diversify its energy supply.  The approval demonstrates the strengthening of ties and the significant progress the trilateral alliance has achieved in energy cooperation and the three countries’ leadership in the region to provide energy security, which our groups wholeheartedly welcome.

Separately, we welcome as another positive indicator that bilateral relations between Greece and Israel in defense and security cooperation continues to grow. This month, the Hellenic Parliament ratified a defense agreement with Israel, and the heads of Greek and Israeli militaries met to discuss deepening ties.

We look forward to the next trilateral summit to be held in Nicosia, Cyprus, as announced following June’s meeting between the foreign ministers of Israel and Cyprus.

Finally, we are pleased to see legislative measures advancing through Congress that encourages and bolsters U.S. engagement with the Eastern Mediterranean partnership between Israel, Greece, and Cyprus, and we anticipate their passage.

We applaud the commitment to fostering peace, security, stability, and shared democratic values and ideals, in the region by all parties.  We are pleased the relationship continues to progress across all sectors. We will continue to lend our broad diaspora support and encouragement for advancing the trilateral partnership and the United States’ commitment to it.

Background

AHEPA, AHI, B’nai B’rith International, and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations completed their Fourth Biannual Leadership Mission to Israel, Cyprus, and Greece in January 2020. Their groundbreaking inaugural Leadership Mission to the three countries occurred in January 2014.  The missions have been widely recognized and praised as contributing to intergroup and international cooperation and friendship.

In December 2018, the organizations co-sponsored an international conference held in Jerusalem titled, “New Realities in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

In August 2011 and December 2012, they co-organized roundtable discussions in New York City between leaders of the American Jewish and American Hellenic communities.

Following the July 16 delivery of 1,944 gallons of milk, which served 1,218 persons, Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley and Michigan State Representative Cynthia Neeley presented Past Supreme Governor Craig Theros, organizer of the “Milk for Flint” campaign, with a proclamation stating, “Thursday, July 16, 2020 to be AHEPA Day in the City of Flint, Michigan.”

“We commend the Michigan AHEPA family, the broader American Hellenic community, and anyone who donated their time or funds to provide much-needed aid to people of Flint in a safe and responsible manner during a pandemic,” said Horiates. “Their recognition by state and city officials is well-deserved. Service and philanthropy are at the heart of our mission and vision, and we must work together to assist the victims of this ongoing crisis.”

“We would like to thank Flint’s Catholic Charities for teaming-up with AHEPA to allow our many volunteers to efficiently distribute the milk to the needy Flint residents from their Center for Hope facility,” Theros said. “AHEPA would also like to thank Kroger store 404, for the great milk price and the coordination of the delivery to the distribution point in downtown Flint. Finally, we sincerely appreciate the help of Tom and Dean Yeotis for coordinating the presentation at City Hall even though it has been closed officially since the start of the pandemic.”

He continued, “Although the Flint water crisis does not garner significant media attention anymore, the need to aid the victims remains. The AHEPA family has not forgotten them and will continue to offer aid.” Theros added that any leftover gallons of milk are donated to local charitable organizations.

“Nothing is wasted,” he said.

Three television stations and one radio station covered the event.

Why milk?

According to state public health departments, optimal nutrition can play an important role in minimizing the amount of lead absorbed and stored in bones, especially in children. When minerals such as calcium and iron are deficient, lead absorption is increased.

The initial milk drive occurred March 25, 2016. To date, the AHEPA Automotive District 10 of Michigan has raised more than $30,000 and has distributed 15,552 gallons of milk through the “Milk for Flint” program. Much of the funds were donated by the members of the AHEPA and the Daughters of Penelope. However, many donations also came from individuals as well as organizations from around the country.

A ninth “Milk for Flint” drive is being planned.

AHEPA strongly condemns Turkey’s announced plan to conduct seismic surveys by encroaching upon Greece’s continental shelf off the coast of the Greek island of Kastellorizo. The advisory issued by Turkey, which violates international law, and has placed Greece’s armed forces on high alert, lasts until August 20.

Turkey’s act destabilizes the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean to the great concern of the American Hellenic community and diaspora. The region has become a tinderbox due to Turkey’s blatant hostilities, which are dangerous and unnecessarily place lives in harm’s way and are not in the United States’ best interests.

We registered our alarm and concern about Turkey’s action directly with the U.S. Department of State and requested the matter be addressed immediately by the U.S. government. The State Department’s urging Turkish authorities to halt its operations is welcomed. However, any reference to Greece’s continental shelf as “disputed waters” is simply unacceptable, erroneous, and runs contrary to repeated statements made by U.S. Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey Pyatt that Greek islands are entitled to continental shelf and exclusive economic zone (EEZ), as recently as last week.

We continue to be alarmed by Turkey’s overall and repeated provocative and aggressive behavior that shuns American values, challenges American security interests, and threatens NATO allies and strategic partners of the United States in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East.

We echo the repeated calls for the United States and European Union to hold Turkey responsible for its provocations and hostile actions through the imposition of sanctions in the name of peace, justice, and stability.