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Department of State

The Hon. Tahesha Way, Lt. Governor and Secretary of State

The New Jersey-Israel Commission Welcomes New Appointments by Governor Murphy

10 new Commission Members have been appointed reflecting the importance of the New Jersey-Israel relationship

 

Trenton, N.J. – The New Jersey-Israel Commission is proud to welcome a new round of appointments to public members of the Commission by Governor Phil Murphy including 10 new and 29 reappointed Commission Members. These appointments strengthen the Commission’s objective of deepening New Jersey’s key relationship with the State of Israel across trade, investment, science, academia, tourism, culture, and other important areas.

These new appointments follow sweeping changes made in 2020 by Governor Murphy to the 77 public members of the Commission and reflect the Murphy Administration’s dedication to ensuring the Commission realizes its full potential with an active, dedicated, and experienced class of members. It follows the trend set by the Governor and Secretary of State Tahesha Way to enhance the Commission and deliver opportunities to New Jersey from the State of Israel, a global center of technology and innovation and one of the state’s most important international partners.

“I am pleased to welcome the 10 newly-appointed commission members to the New Jersey-Israel Commission and to congratulate the 29 reappointed members as they continue their necessary work,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The Commission has effectively worked together in expanding relations between New Jersey and the State of Israel, and I look forward to witnessing the continued partnership between our two communities grow.”

Today’s announcement adds to previous success by Governor Murphy and Secretary of State Tahesha Way to revitalize the New Jersey-Israel Commission which has shown significant achievements around New Jersey-Israel relations including academic partnerships, official visits, foreign direct investment, cultural programs, Israeli business attraction, and other aspects core to the Commission’s work. Since the beginning of the Murphy Administration, New Jersey has seen over $450 million in investments and 1,425 jobs created by Israeli entities.

“I congratulate and welcome each of the newly appointed members to this important Commission and look forward to working with them,” said New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way. “I remain committed to our state’s vital relationship with the State of Israel.”

The newly appointed Commission Members are:

  • Shahar Azran
  • Dror Futter
  • Dr. Oz Halabi
  • Nina Kampler
  • Harris Laufer
  • Mark Peroff
  • Alise Panitch
  • Joel Strauss
  • Jenny Davis Toth
  • Lisa Wisotsky

“Thank you to the Governor for these important appointments and the ongoing support of Secretary Way as we work to ensure the continued success of this Commission,” said Mark S. Levenson, Co-Chair of the New Jersey-Israel Commission. “I am elated to see such a talented group of leaders joining us and eagerly look forward to their active participation and contributions.”

“I applaud today’s announcement and the Governor’s dedication to a deep and valued relationship with the State of Israel,” said Karin Elkis, Co-Chair of the New Jersey-Israel Commission. “I congratulate each of these new Commission Members and sure they will add tremendous value to our mission.”

“The achievements of this commission are only possible with a vibrant and passionate set of Commission Members,” said Andrew H Gross, Executive Director of the New Jersey-Israel Commission. “The New Jersey-Israel Commission looks forward to working with all of these new members and seeking out their wealth of experience and resolve to building a vibrant future with our friends in Israel.”

About the New Jersey-Israel Commission
The New Jersey-Israel Commission was established in 1989 to implement the goals of the New Jersey-Israel Sister State Agreement and is under the administration of New Jersey Department of State. The Commission promotes the development of trade, culture and educational exchanges; encourages the development of capital investment and joint business ventures; and fosters a spirit of cooperation between the citizens of the State of Israel and the State of New Jersey.

 


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