WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 1, 2011) — The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) announced on Tuesday that it will host the upcoming visit of Governor and Mrs. Haley Barbour of Mississippi to Israel, February 5-9, 2011. This will be the second time that the RJC hasescorted Governor Barbour to Israel. The organization also hosted him in 1994, when he was chairman of the Republican National Committee.
This trip will include briefings and meetings with senior leaders in Israel, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It will also include touring important sites in the country. In addition, given the Governor’s strong interest in energy issues, there will be visits to several sites such as the Noble Energy offshore gas rig and the Better Place electric car facility outside Tel Aviv. The trip will conclude with Governor Barbour making a major address at the prestigious Herzliya Conference on February 9.
RJC Executive Director Matt Brooks said, “We are especially pleased that Governor and Mrs. Barbour will visit Israel at this incredibly important time. The Middle East faces many challenges, from the instability in Lebanon and Egypt and the threat of a nuclear Iran to the continuing danger posed by Hamas in Gaza. As Iran and its proxies attempt to expand their reach in the region, it is vitally important that American and Israeli officials build and nurture a strong partnership in the fight against terrorism.
“This visit will give Governor Barbour the opportunity to learn more about the difficulties facing Israel, about the current thinking of Israel’s political, military, and economic leaders, and about the Jewish state’s exciting advancements in the development of new technologies.”
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Preceding provided by Republican Jewish Coalition