Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan concluded his four-year tenure at the world body in a ceremony in Manhattan on Monday organized by Israel’s U.N. delegation and the UJA-Federation of New York.

Hundreds attended to honor Erdan, including many ambassadors, heads of Jewish organizations, New York Mayor Eric Adams and Rep. Richie Torres (D-N.Y.).

“Many times I have been asked how I can come to work every day in a place where there is so much hatred and hypocrisy against Israel,” Erdan said. “My answer is simple: It is easy to defend Israel because if you know the truth and believe in it, you hold your head up proudly even in the face of continuous criticism and attacks.”