SGLF Announces Trade Mission to Israel with Multiple Lieutenant Governors from Across the Country
Lieutenant Governors Look to Strengthen Ties with Israel in Wake of Ben & Jerry’s Boycott
Washington, DC — The State Government Leadership Foundation (SGLF), the policy partner of the Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC), today announced it will be hosting a trade mission trip to Israel in March of 2022 with multiple lieutenant governors. The trade mission, which will assist top leaders throughout the nation in continuing to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties between their respective states and America’s greatest ally in the Middle East, will include meetings with Israeli government and business leaders on issues like economic development, trade, and security, as well as cultural visits and educational programming.
The announcement has an increased significance in light of the recent decision by Ben & Jerry’s to stop selling its products in Israel. As Ben & Jerry’s move to boycott Israel violates several states’ laws and damages the U.S.-Israel relationship, the delegation will aim to strengthen relations with our strongest ally in the Middle East and expand growth opportunities through networking opportunities with Israeli companies, local chambers of commerce, and other U.S. companies already doing business in Israel. This trade mission is also especially timely in light of the Biden administration’s refusal to hold Hamas accountable for the lawless violence perpetuated against Israel earlier this year.
The trip will take place from March 18 - 25 of 2022. The lieutenant governors currently scheduled to attend are:
Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez
Iowa Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg
Nebraska Lieutenant Governor Mike Foley
Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted
South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette
“As a strategic partner and critical ally to America and Florida, Israel invests in our economy, creates jobs, and promotes innovation in the United States. Discrimination against the Jewish people, most recently by Ben & Jerry’s de facto boycott, is a desperate political gesture that disguises anti-Semitism as social justice,” said Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “Florida will simply not tolerate it. Therefore, by placing Ben & Jerry’s on investment prohibition, our administration once again demonstrates that we will always stand with our democratic ally in the Middle East. I look forward to strengthening our long-standing partnership during this mission trip that will be beneficial to both Florida and Israel.”
“Today’s interdependent global economy requires that trade policy be developed at the national and state level. As a major trading partner, not only are the U.S. and Israel allies, but we are global partners invested in each other’s success,” said Iowa Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg. “Americans and Israelis are united by our shared commitment to democracy, economic prosperity, and regional security. The potential for greater cooperation with Israel for the benefit of Iowa is endless, and this will be a vital first step to strengthening the relationship.”
“Israel is a world leader in business and technology, and already one of America’s major trading partners. This mission will allow U.S. companies to educate us on their current, innovative operations in Israel, while also strengthening our partnership amid the recent decision by Ben & Jerry’s to boycott Israel,” said Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted. “Our states need to stand up to this anti-Israel and anti-Jewish discrimination now more than ever and hold Unilever accountable until they put a stop to this boycott.”
Israel now invests close to $24 billion in the United States (nearly triple what it was a decade earlier), is home to more than 2,500 U.S. firms employing some 72,000 Israelis, and is responsible for nearly 100,000 American jobs. The trade mission will allow the delegation of lieutenant governors to foster a better understanding of the current issues facing Israel, build relationships with Israeli government and business leaders, and reinforce the strength of the US-Israel partnership. The SGLF sponsored a similar trade mission for lieutenant governors in 2016. A video containing highlights from that trip can be found HERE.
About SGLF
The State Government Leadership Foundation (SGLF) develops conservative policies and supports principled state leadership to tackle America’s immense challenges. No matter what happens in Washington, D.C., SGLF believes that both the right leaders and forward-thinking solutions are found in state capitals across the country. SGLF promotes good governance and conservative principles, including: limited government, low taxes, less regulation, individual liberty and opportunity for all. SGLF is a 501 (c)(4) social welfare organization and a strategic partner of the Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC), the nation’s largest organization focused entirely on electing state Republicans.
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