Israel Commission

One of the most productive and satisfying efforts I have been involved with throughout many of my years in public service is the New Jersey Israel Commission. I have been a member of the Commission for many years and have found it to be a wonderful organization that is working to forge and strengthen ties between New Jersey and the State of Israel.

The New Jersey Israel Commission was created in 1995 to foster increased economic, scientific, educational, and cultural relations with the State of Israel, one of New Jersey’s most important trading partners. Israel is the Garden State’s fourth largest export market, with $938 million in goods sent there in 2003 alone. Forty Israeli companies have facilities in New Jersey, directly employing more than 1,000 people.

I am pleased to update you on some of the Commission’s programs and recent accomplishments:

• In 2005-2006, the Commission assisted four Israeli companies in opening operations in New Jersey, one right here in Hackensack.
• In 2003, a Declaration of Collaboration in the Life Sciences was signed by New Jersey and Israel. The U.S. – Israel Science & Technology Foundation’s Fellowship Program provides opportunities to New Jersey academic institutions and companies via an exchange program for researchers and executives from Israel to participate in research and training programs in New Jersey. This program has permitted Israeli researchers from start-up companies and academic institutions to conduct cutting-edge research. The program will also help to build international collaborations.
• From the Fellowship Program, the Commission selected two aspiring Israeli researchers for the Technology Excellence Fellowship at the W.M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience at Rutgers University. These two Israeli researchers are developing cutting edge technologies in hopes of finding a cure for spinal cord injuries and related neurological problems. Andrea Yonah, the Executive Director of the Commission, has worked hard to establish this scientific collaboration.

I urge you to visit the New Jersey Israel Commission’s website to learn more about the Commission’s activities. You’ll find a calendar of events, a listing of meetings, the latest news, and contact information.

In these times of uncertainty and unrest in the Middle East, it is more important than ever that the United States – and New Jersey – forge positive relationships in that politically volatile part of the World. The State of Israel has long been one of our country’s greatest allies, and we need to continue to build collaborative relationships with its people and organizations that benefit both the United States and Israel. I am proud to be a member of the New Jersey Israel Commission and look forward to many years of productive programs and exchanges between our wonderful state and the State of Israel.