Reps. Jeffries, Hoyer to Lead House Democrat Delegation on Israel Trip

By Matis Glenn

In his second trip to Israel this year, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), along with Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD), will lead a delegation of 24 House Democrats on a trip to Israel this week.

The visit, organized by the American Israel Education Foundation, an AIPAC-linked organization, will include Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA), the third-ranking member of the House of Representatives, as well as several progressive representatives.

Another notable guest will be Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-MI), whose primary candidacy was opposed by AIPAC.

Jewish Insider reports that the list of attendees include Reps. Haley Stevens (D-MI), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Yadira Caraveo (D-CO), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Robert Garcia (D-CA), Dan Goldman (D-NY), Greg Landsman (D-OH), Rob Menendez (D-NJ), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Wiley Nickel (D-NC), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), Glenn Ivey (D-MD),  Don Davis (D-NC),  Pat Ryan (D-NY), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Becca Balint (D-VT),  Hillary Scholten (D-MI), Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Emilia Sykes (D-OH), and Jill Tokuda (D-HI).

For Hoyer, this will be his 20th trip to Israel, having previously led several AIEF-affiliated delegations of freshman congressmen.

Topics to be discussed include the threat from Iran, Israel’s judicial reform, the Abraham Accords, terrorism, and the prospect of a two-state solution.

“With this trip, House Democrats reaffirm our commitment to the special relationship between the United States and Israel,” Jeffries said in a statement. “One anchored in our shared democratic values and mutual geopolitical interests. We will learn ways Congress can continue strengthening this alliance and enable peace and stability between Israel and its neighbors. As we listen and learn, we reiterate our ironclad commitment to the safety and security of Israel and to the existence of Israel as a prosperous and Jewish democratic state.”