November 16, 2011, Updated September 11, 2012

Mayors of five major American cities as well as senior policymakers are now in Israel on an education seminar that could lead to bilateral cooperation.

The mission, sponsored by Project Interchange, is intended to provide these US leaders with a first-hand understanding of Israel, its rich and dynamic society.

“These officials represent a diverse set of constituencies from across the United States, but they share a common interest in job creation, high tech innovation, and immigrant issues. As these are key priorities for Israel as well, we hope participants will return home with a better sense of the similarities between their communities and those in Israel,” said Sam Witkin, Executive Director of Project Interchange.

“I am looking forward to discussing business opportunities with Israeli leaders that will create jobs in Cincinnati,” said Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory. “Israel is a world leader is several job sectors, including water technology and green industry. Because I’m focused on economic development in those areas, I know this will be an extremely valuable trip.”

In addition to Mallory, the delegation includes Mayor Annise D. Parker of Houston, Texas; Mayor Christopher B. Coleman of St. Paul, Minnesota; Mayor John Curtis of Provo, Utah; Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez of Miami-Dade County, Florida; Ryan Adcock, Director of Legislative Affairs in Cincinnati, Ohio; Helen Anderson, Chief Deputy of Communications in Provo; Jeremy Hanson Willis, Chief of Staff to the Mayor in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Warren Jimenez, Chief of Staff to the Mayor in Portland, Oregon; and Jack Osterholt, Deputy Mayor of Miami-Dade County.

The delegation will travel across the country, stopping in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Sderot, among other places.

The American visitors will also meet with high-tech and clean-tech companies to foster bilateral opportunities for collaboration and economic partnership.

 

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