The ironclad relationship between Israel and
New Jersey demonstrates the value of collaborating with the creative and innovative Jewish state.

(Courtesy of Consulate General of Israel) Consul General of Israel in New York, Amb. Ofir Akunis, recently met with New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy to discuss pressing issues facing Israel, American Jewry and the entire Western world. Akunis thanked Murphy for his resolute approach toward antisemitism in the state, including last month’s pro-Hamas protests on certain New Jersey college campuses.

“The ironclad relationship between Israel and New Jersey is a bilateral bright spot and demonstrates the value of collaborating with the creative and innovative Jewish state,” said Akunis. “As Israel’s former minister of innovation, science and technology, this is something I am especially proud of. We hope the tremendous success of the New Jersey-Israel Commission can serve as an example for all parties that seek to deepen their ties with Israel.” The commission fosters economic, scientific, educational and cultural ties between Israel and New Jersey and has turned Israel into one of New Jersey’s most important trading partners.

Murphy and Akunis spoke at length about the ongoing hostage crisis, now in its ninth month since Oct. 7, when Hamas terrorists invaded Israel, murdered 1,200 people and took over 250 hostaged. One of the hostages is Edan Alexander (20), who grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey and is one of five U.S. citizens still being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. Murphy expressed his solidarity with Israel and reaffirmed his commitment to bringing every single hostage home.