Twelve high ranking House Democrats visited Israel this week in a strong show of support for the Jewish State. House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries was accompanied by pro-Israel advocates House Foreign Affairs Chair Rep. Greg Meeks, AIPAC friend Rep. Josh Gottheimer, and Jewish Reps. Sara Jacobs, Dean Phillips, and Debbie Wasserman Schulz. Though some have spoken out against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial reform agenda, the delegation did not interfere on the matter during their tour. This is Jeffries’ first foreign destination since accepting his House leadership position. Two months ago, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer led a similar mission, and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy will address the Knesset in two weeks during his own visit, making him just the second House Speaker to conduct such an address.
The trip included a memorial service at Yad Vashem, where the delegation paid respect to the six million Jewish victims of the Shoah, days after Holocaust Remembrance Day. The lessons of the Holocaust must never be forgotten as we approach eight decades from liberation.
“We are glad to join Israel’s leaders to commemorate 75 years of independence and affirm the strong relationship between our two countries,” stated Rep. Meeks on behalf of his colleagues on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. During a visit to the U.S. Embassy, Meeks remarked, “Our embassy staff are imperative to strong diplomatic relations around the world.” He thanked U.S. Ambassador Tom Nides and his Jerusalem embassy staff for welcoming the delegation.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
