Speaker Robin Vos (608) 266-3387
Assistant Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein (608) 266-5340
Madison…A bipartisan group of Assembly leaders traveled to Israel this week for a legislative exchange organized by the Milwaukee Jewish Federation.
“It was an honor to lead a bipartisan delegation to further strengthen our country’s friendship with Israel and allow for an international exchange of ideas and educational experiences. I would like to thank the Milwaukee Jewish Federation for partnering with us in organizing the eight-day trip,” said Speaker Vos.
The Wisconsin delegation included the following members of Assembly leadership: Speaker Robin Vos, Majority Leader Rep. Jim Steineke, Speaker Pro Tempore Tyler August, Assembly Joint Finance Committee (JFC) Chair Rep. John Nygren, Majority Caucus Chair Rep. Dan Knodl, Majority Caucus Vice-Chair Rep. Romaine Quinn, Majority Caucus Secretary Rep. Jessie Rodriguez, JFC Member Rep. Terry Katsma, Assistant Minority Leader Rep. Dianne Hesselbein, Minority Caucus Chair Rep. Mark Spreitzer, Minority Caucus Vice-Chair Rep. Steve Doyle and Rep. Debra Kolste.
The group met with elected and civic leaders from Israel and the West Bank including Ambassador David Roet, Deputy Director General, North America Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Israel in Jerusalem. Legislators were led in a moment of remembrance by Rabbi Hannah Wallick of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum, located on the slopes of the Mount of Remembrance. The delegation also had educational sessions on topics involving water technology, infrastructure, business, education, agro-tech and politics.
“We are energized to be part of a bipartisan delegation extending Wisconsin’s relationship with a larger global community,” said Rep. Hesselbein. “The opportunity to learn more about the region is something that extends beyond partisan lines and allows us to better understand our world. No matter where we are in the world, our commonalities bring us together as we work to move our global community forward.”
“I believe these worthwhile experiences have deepened our understanding of the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with Israel,” said Speaker Vos.
