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A delegation of chiefs of staff from governors’ offices across the United States has returned from a successful six-day mission to Israel, organized by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM).
The group, which included chiefs of staff, deputy chiefs of staff, and senior advisors representing Republican governors from states including Florida, Georgia, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas, traveled to Israel from June 23-29.
During their visit, delegation members met with key Israeli officials, toured Biblical and historical sites, witnessed the aftermath of the October 7th attacks, gained insights into Israel’s security challenges, and explored the country’s high-tech economy and innovations. The itinerary included visits to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and areas in southern Israel impacted by the ongoing conflict.
The mission’s agenda featured tours of communities near the Gaza border affected by the October 7th attacks, meetings with Israeli government officials at the Knesset, and visits to leading Israeli technology companies and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. Delegates also received a security briefing on threats from Iran and Hezbollah and explored holy sites in Jerusalem’s Old City.
Visiting @yadvashem is always a chilling, humbling, painful experience.
Today was no different, as a @GOPGovs delegation of 17 Governors’ chiefs of staff and senior staff members from 15 states visited Israel’s national Holocaust memorial.
The delegation learned of the… pic.twitter.com/LaPDVbuOos
— Combat Antisemitism Movement (@CombatASemitism) June 25, 2024
This mission strengthened ties between Israeli and U.S. state-level leadership while providing first-hand exposure to Israel’s security situation, economic strengths, and shared cultural connections with the United States.
It was an honor to meet yesterday with Israel dignitaries, and learn about the unique and unprecedented challenges Israel has been facing since October 7th.
The chiefs of staff and staff members of 15 Governors heard from @CotlerWunsh in the @IsraelMFA, and then MK @dillouz.… pic.twitter.com/Q224U07ZGT
— Combat Antisemitism Movement (@CombatASemitism) June 26, 2024
“This mission provided a vital opportunity for state leaders to experience Israel firsthand and deepen their understanding of the challenges in combating antisemitism,” said Sacha Roytman, CEO of CAM. “These influential policymakers are now better equipped to foster stronger ties between their states and Israel.”
“By engaging directly with Israeli officials and witnessing recent events, these senior staff members gained crucial insights that will help shape policies to counter antisemitism at the state level,” he added.
Delegation members have returned to their respective states with new perspectives and strategies to enhance U.S.-Israel relations and combat antisemitism.
CAM also organized similar solidarity missions to Israel earlier in June for bipartisan delegations of American mayors and state lawmakers.
To view photos from the chiefs of staff delegation trip, please visit the Dropbox folder link here.
