Where the US ambassador can and should be involved is on matters that improve the Israeli-US relationship and are in line with the challenges facing the two countries.
Both men exemplify qualities of proud Americans and committed Zionists, men who gave up promising careers in the US, and their American citizenship, to live in and work for the State of Israel.
What made Nides special, however, was that during his tenure here he made himself approachable and encouraged people to communicate with him.
"My family misses me," Nides said as the reason behind his decision to step down.