Newark, NJ, July 15, 2009 - The Department of State's New Jersey-Israel Commission, in partnership with the New Jersey EMS Task Force, the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) Center for Continuing & Outreach Education, and the Consulate General of Israel in New York sponsored a Symposium on Terror Medicine and Security held at UMDNJ in Newark.  

In a letter to symposium attendees, Governor Corzine said the event "brings together an outstanding group of experts on a subject that is both timely and critical. This collaboration provides the foundation for an essential and ongoing exchange on enhancing the security and the well-being of New Jersey and its sister State of Israel. I know today's deliberations and insights will provide a national model for extended progress in the vital area of terror medicine and security."  

The symposium was targeted to medical professionals who would provide health-related services during or after a terror event, including physicians, dentists, EMS personnel, nurses, public health practitioners, psychologists, allied health professionals, social workers and hospital administrators with the purpose of raising awareness of terror attack preparedness and security for hospitals.  Members of the general public interested in familiarizing themselves with issues concerning terror medicine and security were also welcomed.

"This important collaboration will enhance the health and safety of our residents and is part of the ongoing exchange of information and ideas between New Jersey and our sister state of Israel," said Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells.

Attendees were familiarized with various aspects of terror medicine and the skills to enable them to better prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorist attacks.  The panel of experts presented strategies associated with terrorist attacks for the development of emergency and hospital preparedness plans, the onsite management and treatment of victims, the implementation of security measures as well as relevant issues in the aftermath of a terrorist attack including medical forensics and short-term and long-term psychological care for citizens, first responders and other involved personnel.

Symposium coordinator Dr. Leonard Cole stated, "Concern about the threat of terrorism and disasters is not only a responsibility for experts, but for all citizens.  This Symposium offered an opportunity for the public as well as the medical and law enforcement communities to learn how they can better protect themselves and their loved ones." Dr. Cole, bio-terrorism expert, author and adjunct professor of Political Science in the Global Affairs Division at Rutgers-Newark is a member of the New Jersey-Israel Commission.

World-renown experts from Israel and the United offered their insight and experiences. Col. (Ret.) Isaac Ashkenazi MD, Professor of Disaster Medicine, Ben-Gurion University, Israel, Director, Urban Terrorism Preparedness, Harvard University; Dr. Tzipi Kahana, of Israel's National Centre of Forensic Medicine were among the Israeli panelists joining US experts which included Col. USAF (Ret.) Donald Jenkins, MD, Trauma Surgeon, Mayo Clinic and Former Medical Director of Trauma System for US Central Command and David Gruber, Senior Assistant Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.

"By bringing together American and Israeli experts to address the issues of terrorism and security, this Symposium is directly enhancing the security of Americans and Israelis.  Each society can draw valuable lessons relating to homeland security from the experiences of the other," said Ambassador Daniel C. Kurtzer, Chair, New Jersey-Israel Commission.

"I am grateful to UMDNJ and the many co-sponsors of today's terror medicine and security symposium," said Richard L.  Cañas, Director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness. "Ensuring the state's medical response community, especially our hospital systems, is properly prepared for any type of disaster is a key part of New Jersey's homeland security strategy."

The impetus for a symposium on terror medicine and domestic security began during a delegation to Israel of New Jersey and federal experts in 2005. Organized by the New Jersey-Israel Commission, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, and Hadassah Medical Organization, the American delegation met with Israeli counterparts in areas of public health, trauma surgery, terrorism, and domestic security.

To learn more about the diverse array of services and programs offered by the Department of State, visit www.state.nj.us/state.

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 12th largest export market, with exports totaling nearly $10 billion since 1996. New Jersey is home to over 60 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.