McCollum in Israel to Hear from Israeli Leaders Committed to Peace
For Immediate Release: June 6, 2011
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
J Street-Sponsored Congressional Delegation Also Visits with New Egyptian Government and Palestinian Leadership
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) and four other Democratic Members of Congress are in Egypt, Israel and the West Bank this week on a fact finding mission focused on Middle East peace. The trip is sponsored by the J Street Education Fund (JSEF) – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. JSEF is part of J Street, which is a pro-Israel advocacy group based in Washington, DC. During a trip to Israel and the West Bank, the Congressional delegation sought meetings with senior Israeli officials to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Following two days in Cairo where the delegation met with the Egypt's new political leadership, including Acting-President Mohamed Tantawi and Prime Minister, Essam Sharaf, the Members of Congress traveled to Israel. In Jerusalem, the delegation met with the leader of Kadima Party, Tzipi Livni, and they were introduced on the floor of the Knesset by Speaker of the Knesset. The delegation was not granted a meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu or other senior Likud Party leaders in the Prime Minister's office.
Later in the week the delegation will meet with additional Israeli political and civil society leaders, along with the Palestinian political leaders.
Congresswoman McCollum issued the following statement:
"I am pleased to be in Israel and our delegation has been warmly and graciously welcomed. This fact-finding mission is about seeing Israel up close and listening to voices committed to ensuring lasting peace and security for Israel and the Palestinians. While it is disappointing not to have the opportunity to pay my respects to the Prime Minister, his recent comments while in Washington, DC only demonstrated that many of Mr. Netanyahu's policies are impediments that prevent peace negotiations from going forward. Israelis who are willing to make the tough political choices to make a more secure and peaceful future for their children are Israelis who will play a critical role in this process."
Congresswoman Betty McCollum serves on the House Appropriations and Budget Committees.
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