WASHINGTON – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8), a member of the House Budget and Judiciary committees, will travel to Israel next week with Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer and other members of the Democratic Caucus.  During the trip, the Congressional delegation will participate in a series of meetings and informational briefings with government and military officials and the Israeli people.

“I look forward to returning to Israel for the second time, and continuing to strengthen the relationship with our closest ally in one of the most important regions in the world,” said Rep. Jeffries.  “The bond between America and Israel is an unbreakable one, and this trip will expand my knowledge about the regional challenges we must collectively confront in the quest for peace and prosperity.”

In addition to discussions about the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, the Iranian nuclear threat, and additional security concerns in the region, Congressman Jeffries and the other delegation members will visit historic and religious sites in Jerusalem and other parts of the country.

“Support for the State of Israel is very strong within the Congress, and this trip will serve to deepen that relationship,” said Rep. Jeffries.

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The trip is being arranged by the American Israel Educational Foundation (AIEF), an independent, nonprofit charitable organization, and is privately funded.  Federal tax dollars will not be used.