NEW YORK, NY - The Government of Israel Economic Mission in New York, New Jersey's Science & Technology University (NJIT) and the New Jersey - Israel Commission will present an Israel Homeland Security Conference on April 1 for leading U. S. integrators, public entities and security companies.  The conference will be held at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), University Heights in Newark.  Sponsors for the event are ZAG S&W LLC and Millennium Communications Group.

The conference will feature 11 Israeli homeland security companies who will present their innovative technologies and solutions. Joseph Picciano, deputy director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness will deliver the keynote address Regional Catastrophic Planning and Overall Planning Initiatives in N.J. and the U.S. 

According to Yair Shiran, Israel Economic Minister to North America, " We hope that this initiative will further cooperation between Israeli security companies and U.S. integrators. Israel is at the forefront of cutting-edge solutions and technologies for the security industry and this presents a perfect opportunity for Israel to showcase its advances in the field of HLS and civilian-related products."

"We in New Jersey have a committed 60-year relationship with the State of Israel and have enhanced our collaborative efforts in a number of areas, perhaps none so critical as homeland security," said New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine. "This two-day gathering provides a timely and significant opportunity for a dynamic exchange of information, expertise and ideas and the foundation on which to build strategic partnerships."

According to Ambassador Daniel C. Kurtzer, Chair of the New Jersey-Israel Commission, "This critical exchange of expertise in developing and implementing cutting edge security technology is essential to strengthening the security of our communities."

"NJIT's designation as New Jersey's Homeland Security Technology Systems Center provides an insider's view of how the country is dealing reconfiguring to meet the threat of onshore terrorism. There is much to be learned from those who have lived with the daily threat of terrorism for decades yet remain as vibrant and prosperous societies," said Donald H. Sebastian, Ph.D., Provost (Interim) and Sr. Vice President for R&D at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Other highlights of the conference will include a panel with leading American integrators: Steve Talpas, New Jersey Office of HLS and Preparedness; Donald Sebastian, NJIT; Marvin Schnapper, MSI; Dan Aloia, Millennium, and Rom Robison, Raytheon.  

Dr. Floyd Ribe, Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (Picatinny Arsenal) Homeland Defense Center of Excellence, and Bill Marshall, BG (Retired), Homeland Security Technical Systems Center (NJIT) will also address the attendees.

Following the conference, the Israeli companies will take tours of Newark Airport and Port Elizabeth organized by the Port Authority of NY &NJ. The New Jersey event follows a day-long event in New York for the Israeli Homeland Security companies at the headquarters of The Port Authority of NY& NJ.

About the New Jersey-Israel Commission
The New Jersey-Israel Commission was created to foster increased economic, scientific, educational and cultural relations with the State of Israel, one of the Garden State's most important trading partners. Israel is New Jersey's 9th largest export market, with exports totaling nearly $12 billion since 1991. New Jersey is home to over 70 Israeli companies.

The New Jersey-Israel Commission was established in 1989 to enhance the special relationship that exists between New Jersey and the State of Israel. The mission is to foster economic, scientific, educational and cultural ties between the two states. The Governor appoints the commission's public and legislative members.

The New Jersey-Israel Commission is a division of the Department of State. For more information, please call 609-633-8600 or email njic@sos.state.nj.us.