Israel Trip Reinforces Bond With United States

Congressmember Joseph Crowley (D-NY), a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, recently returned from a trip to Israel and the West Bank where he was briefed on issues critical to the US-Israeli relationship. He participated in meetings with officials from the United States, Israel and the Palestinian Authority on advancing the Israeli- Palestinian peace process. The Congressman accompanied a group of 18 House Democrats, including 13 first-term members and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD).

"Israel is our long-standing friend and steadfast ally in a volatile part of the world," Crowley said. "This week's meetings underscored the need for us to establish lasting peace in the region. This will directly benefit the United States.

"The determination of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, leadership of Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad of the Palestinian Authority, and the United States' unwavering support for Israel's future and safety gives me hope that lasting stability and calm can be achieved."

The visit marks Rep. Crowley's fifth trip to Israel, since becoming a member of Congress. Congressman Joseph Crowley meets with Israeli Defense

Minister Ehud Barak during a recent trip to Israel.