Greitens returns from trade mission to Israel

(From Gov. Eric Greitens)

On Sunday, Governor Eric Greitens returned from his first trade mission to the nation of Israel. The Governor met with business, government, and military leaders to build education and public safety partnerships and win more jobs for the people of Missouri.

After landing in Israel, Governor Greitens visited Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial in Israel, to pay his respects on behalf of the people of Missouri. The Governor released the following statement:

“Today, on behalf of all Missourians, we laid a wreath at Yad Vashem, the memorial to the victims of the Holocaust in Israel. We also brought with us the written prayers of Missourians from all corners of our state.

Yad Vashem is a memorial to loss. It is also a tribute to strength. It houses the remains and the possessions of Jewish people whose lives were taken in the Holocaust. It also honors the sacrifices of many thousands who put their lives at risk to rescue others.

We came here because young Missourians gave their lives in World War II to fight this evil. We came here because Missourians of all generations join the Jewish people in their commitment to never forget. And we came here because we join the Jewish people in their strength and courage.”

On Tuesday, the Governor toured the country and visited with members of the Israeli military. In meetings with public safety leaders, the Governor discussed the possibility of an exchange program to share best practices in policy, strategy, and operations between Missouri’s first responders and their Israeli counterparts. The Governor released the following statement:

“Americans and Israelis in the military have something in common. They kill terrorists—and they’re good at it.

This week, we visited the Iron Dome, Jordan Valley, Golan Heights, and sat down with Shayetet 13, Israel’s version of the Navy SEALs. We also met with top government, military, and public safety leaders in Israel. We discussed training partnerships between their first responders and Missouri’s fire departments, police, National Guard, and cyber security teams. This will strengthen Missouri, and also say clearly: In the face of terrorism, Missouri stands with Israel.”

On Wednesday, Governor Greitens met with the CEO OF HackerU. They signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create higher education partnerships—training Missouri’s next generation of cybersecurity leaders and creating more opportunities for quality jobs.

“We need to train the next generation to recognize and combat cyber threats. Missouri has great potential to be a leader in cybersecurity. We look forward to working with business and education leaders in Missouri to build partnerships. We are grateful for Governor Greitens’ commitment to cybersecurity and education,” said Ariel Cohen, CEO of HackerU.

The Governor met with several business leaders in the medical and technology sectors to pitch the state of Missouri and encourage them to create jobs in the state.

The Governor then visited the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, where he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Speaker Yuli Edelstein, former Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Oren, and Minister of Public Safety Gilad Erdan. The Governor discussed the importance of Missouri’s connection with Israel, new opportunities for economic partnerships, and the threats facing the state of Israel.

On Thursday, he met with Minister of Defense Avigdor Lieberman, and visited Israel’s Cyber Bureau to discuss collaborative efforts between Missouri and Israel’s cybersecurity leaders. He also visited the Volcani Institute, Israel’s leading agricultural research facility, to discuss partnerships in agriculture technology. Missouri and Israel are both leaders in this vital sector of the economy, and the Governor discussed opportunities to work together on future innovative projects.

On Friday, Governor Greitens visited the Western Wall to pray—also placing prayers from Missourians around the state in the wall.

“Missouri stands behind Israel, and Israelis stand with us.

Earlier this year, the state of Missouri was hit with severe ice storms. When we were, Rabbis came to the Western Wall in Jerusalem--the holiest site in Judaism--to say prayers of safety for Missourians. It was a remarkable and gracious gesture.

On Friday, we had the chance to come to Jerusalem, meet the Rabbi of the Western Wall, and pray there.

We thanked the Rabbi, and we also placed notes containing prayers from Missourians at the Western Wall.
Earlier that day we ran into a wonderful church group from mid-Missouri at the archaeological site of the City of David.
In addition to meeting with leaders in business, public safety, government, and the military--we were blessed last night to enjoy a Shabbat dinner in the Old City of Jerusalem.

Throughout the trip, we've affirmed Missouri's support for Israel, and we've also heard the great support that Israelis have for the State of Missouri.”

On Saturday—Veterans Day—Governor Greitens visited a military base in Doha, Qatar, where more than 400 Missouri National Guard troops are stationed, to thank these brave Missourians for their service to our country. A video with Missouri troops can be found here: https://twitter.com/EricGreitens

“We’re here with some fantastic soldiers from Missouri who’ve done an exceptional job serving the country and the state of Missouri in the Middle East,” said Governor Greitens. “It’s Veterans Day, and we want to let everybody in the state of Missouri know that these guys are coming home soon. You guys excited? They’ve done a fantastic job over here. I’m really proud of them, and everybody in Missouri should be too.”

The Governor’s trip was funded by the Hawthorn Foundation and the Republican Jewish Coalition.