Eight members of the Knesset—from both the coalition and opposition—recently spent four days visiting Jewish communities in New York and New Jersey on a joint trip sponsored by the Jewish Federations of North America and the Jewish Agency for Israel.
The members come from the Religious Zionism, Likud, United Torah Judaism, Yisrael Beiteinu, National Unity and Yesh Atid parties.
The group met with Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan at the world body’s headquarters in Midtown Manhattan; learned about security challenges and community initiatives from NYPD officers; and heard about campus antisemitism from students who are a part of the Hillel Jewish student organization.
“There is no replacement for these types of in-person exchanges to build real understanding and foster the unity that has sustained our people for generations,” stated Mark Wilf, Jewish Agency board chair, who met with the group.
Federations board chair Julie Platt stated that “fostering dialogue based on mutual understanding and respect” will “forge stronger bonds between North American Jewry and Israel and collectively address the challenges that both our communities face.”
