COLUMBUS – State Representatives Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill), Melanie Miller (R- Ashland), Ty Mathews (R-Findlay) and Eric Synenberg (D-Beachwood) traveled to Israel for a conference aimed to strengthen ties between the United States and Israel.
50 States One Israel, was a bipartisan delegation between 250 state legislators from across the United States and leaders from the State of Israel.
It was hosted in Jerusalem and TelAviv from Sept. 14-18. The conference aimed to strengthen ties between the United States and Israel, according to an Ohio House of Representatives press release.
The representatives met with Israeli leaders to discuss political issues and visited historical and cultural sites, including areas impacted by recent conflict.
Representatives also participated in a tree planting ceremony, during which 50 trees were planted to represent each state, according to the press release.
Strengthening the partnership
“Being in Israel underscored for me how deeply our two nations are connected through our shared values of freedom, democracy and faith,” Miller said in the press release. “This experience reaffirmed the importance of strengthening that partnership so we can continue to stand together in promoting security, innovation and opportunity for future generations.”
Miller did not respond to calls, texts and emails asking for comment from Ashland Source.
“It was horrifying to see where unprovoked barbarism was unleashed on the people of Israel on October 7, 2023,” Stephens said in the press release. “Israel’s leaders made it clear that they intend to protect their citizens and their freedom – a goal we should support as Ohioans and Americans.”
“I am thankful for the opportunity to have visited Israel with my fellow legislators from around the United States and here in Ohio,” Synenberg said in the press release. “As a member of the Ohio Jewish Caucus, this trip deepened my understanding of the vital relationship between the United States and Israel. It served as a meaningful reminder of the importance of protecting our shared democratic values and supporting the security and future of the State of Israel.”
The trip was paid for by Israel, according to a Columbus Dispatch article.
During U.S. legislators’ visit, the United Nations Commission of Inquiry concluded on Sept. 16 that Israel committed a genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.