First, let me say what a privilege it is for me to be visiting Israel … and how meaningful it is to be sharing this journey with my colleagues in government, Governor Andrew Cuomo, Senator Dean Skelos, and Senator Jeff Klein.
I have travelled to the Jewish Homeland many times. It is a powerful place. It is a beautiful and inspiring country. And I am certain that this diplomatic mission will reinforce the highly valued and longstanding partnership that exists between New York and Israel.
As you know, a number New York businesses originated in Israel and the educational partnership between the two states has been enhanced by the collaboration between our great Cornell University and the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology.
Given all that we share … given the strength of the ties that bind our people, I believe it is essential that we, the leaders of the Empire State, demonstrate our faith in Israel and our desire to stand in solidarity with her during this difficult time.
I look forward to arriving in Israel … and I am proud to be making this trip as part of a unified front … with Governor Cuomo, Senator Skelos and Senator Klein.