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A delegation of chiefs of staff and senior advisors from governors’ offices across the United States traveled to Israel this week on a six-day mission organized by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM).
During the trip, the group — consisting of a dozen participants representing Republican governors from states including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Vermont — met with top Israeli government officials, military figures, security experts, business and technology executives, and terrorism survivors, and toured Biblical and historical sites.
The delegation also visited Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, as well as the southern and northern border regions impacted by the two-year war triggered by the October 7th massacre.
“The presence of senior representatives from U.S. governors’ offices in Israel just one week after the Gaza ceasefire took effect had an immeasurable impact,” said CAM Senior Advisor Gabriel Groisman, who headed the delegation. “Their support and solidarity were deeply felt by everyone the delegation met with. It was an honor to lead the trip, to share this incredible country with these great friends, and to help them see the inextricable and critical bond between the United States and Israel.”
The mission’s aim was to bolster bilateral state-level engagement with Israel and offer first-hand exposure to Israel’s security reality, economic vitality, and cultural vibrancy.
Gretchen Conger — Chief of Staff for Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders — said, “I am deeply grateful to the Combat Antisemitism Movement for providing me with an eye-opening experience that included not just the extensive religious, cultural, and political history of this incredible country, but also a deeper understanding of the many current challenges facing Israelis and Jewish people all over the world. The power of the partnership between the United States and Israel is critical. I will leave Israel an even better advocate for our friends in the Jewish community at home and across the world.”
Dave Lopez — Chief of Staff for Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen — said, “Israel is America’s most important ally and is on the front line of the same fight as we are. It is as important as ever that Americans in leadership positions understand the bonds between our peoples, as well as the roots of antisemitism and its anti-Israel element. I’m deeply grateful to CAM for its vital work to promote that understanding and advance much-needed policy at all levels of American government.”
Michael Hendrix — Policy Director for Tennessee Governor Bill Lee — said, “CAM brought Israel to life for me in ways I couldn’t have imagined — from October 7th’s aftermath to the daily security realities and the bonds we share. This kind of experience reinforces the moral clarity every leader needs. I’m heading home to Tennessee ready to continue the fight against antisemitism and strengthening our ties with the nation and people of Israel.”
CAM is hosting similar missions to Israel this month for delegations of U.S. state attorneys general and state legislators, as well leaders of the New York State, City, and Port Authority police forces.
