(Courtesy of CAM) 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, delegates met with key Israeli officials, toured biblical and historical sites, witnessed the aftermath of the Oct. 7 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 Oct. 7 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.
This mission strengthened ties between Israeli and U.S. state level leadership while providing firsthand exposure to Israel’s security situation, economic strengths and shared cultural connections with the United States.
“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 the Combat Antisemitism Movement. “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.
Delegates have returned to their respective states with new perspectives and strategies to enhance U.S.-Israel relations and combat antisemitism.