Congressman Ron Klein's Blog

Delegation to the United Nations Headquarters

July 22, 2008

Today, I joined many of my colleagues from the House Foreign Affairs Committee on a delegation to the United Nations Headquarters in New York. As the Vice Chairman of the House Middle East Subcommittee, I was especially interested in discussing Iran sanctions and issues affecting Israel at the U.N.

We had a series of very interesting meetings with several high-level officials, including U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Zalmay Khalilzad, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, and representatives of the five nations with permanent seats on the U.N. Security Council.

We discussed a wide variety of issues, from the global food crisis to the unstable situation in Zimbabwe, and it was clear to me that the most critical challenges we face today have no borders. We talked about problems that need global solutions, from global terrorism and political instability to the threat of disease and food shortages. The United Nations and multilateral institutions can be important facilitators of these global solutions, but we must act quickly to put the needed reforms in place to build a U.N. that is efficient, effective and credible around the world.

I also raised the issue of the upcoming U.N. World Conference Against Racism. In 2001, the conference was held in Durban, South Africa and was hijacked and transformed into an anti-Israel tirade. The United States must take a leadership role now, while the conference is still in planning stages, to ensure that such a despicable charade will not be repeated. I was pleased to hear the Secretary-General's commitment to a balanced conference that will give global racism the attention it deserves while maintaining a positive, constructive dialogue among member states.

We certainly covered a lot of ground in just one day of meetings. This was an extremely interesting and productive visit, and I look forward to remaining engaged on these global issues. If you have comments or questions about the United Nations or my visit, please do not hesitate to contact me by clicking here.

 

Delegation to Israel for the 60th Anniversary

May 16, 2008 - Day One – We arrive in Israel

Our delegation, led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, arrived mid-day yesterday, Israel time. We managed to pack a lot into just one afternoon, starting our trip at the very moving and meaningful Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum. We were hosted by Dalia Itzik, a member of Knesset, (the Israeli Parliament) who led us in a wreath-laying ceremony to remember victims of the Holocaust. It is critical that we keep their memories alive as we begin the celebration of Israel’s 60th anniversary. We were able to tour a new section of the museum, which made a real emotional impression on all of us. It was especially interesting to talk to some of my colleagues who had never been to Israel before, and hear their reactions to this experience.

We ended our first day in Israel with a fascinating dinner conversation hosted by Ambassador Richard Jones, the U.S. Ambassador to Israel.  Ambassador Jones led the delegation in a discussion of current security issues in Middle East politics, including  Hezbollah, Hamas and Iran. We had a very frank conversation about the role of the United States and the United Nations in the region, and how Israel is addressing security threats now and going forward.

Now I am headed back to the hotel, looking forward to another day in Israel, but also to a good night’s sleep!

 

May 17, 2008 - Day Two – Meeting with a history-maker 


This morning, I had breakfast with one of the most fascinating leaders in Israeli politics – Amira Dotan. Amira was the first-ever female Brigadier General in the Israeli military, breaking through barriers to forever change the way women serve in Israel. Although that tremendous accomplishment would have been enough for most, Amira wasn’t done. She was elected to serve in the Knesset, and now serves as the equivalent to Chairman of our Foreign Affairs Committee. Because I serve on the Foreign Affairs Committee in the House, it was important to both of us have an open dialogue and discuss how best our two bodies can work together in the future. I first met Amira a few months ago, when she came to Washington, and she promised to reciprocate by hosting me then next time I came to Israel. Today, she more than delivered, as I found our conversation fascinating and informative.

I wish everyone a good Shabbos (good Sabbath) and will update you again tomorrow, when we have a full slate of meetings on topics like alternative energy and health care, and join some of Israel’s top leaders for what are sure to be interesting and productive meetings.

 

May 18, 2008 – Day three – Security, energy and a little music

We had a packed schedule today, full of interesting meetings about security issues and alternative energy.

We started the day with a breakfast meeting hosted by Minister of Defense Ehud Barak, where we talked about the critical security issues facing Israel. According to the Minister, Iran is currently a the most pressing issue facing his country, as a nuclear Iran would complicate nearly every security decision that they make. It was fascinating discussion, but we had to quickly change gears to meet with a panel of experts on alternative energy. We asked questions about a possible Israeli response to the constant barrage of rocket attacks from Gaza.  Barak put it in terms that any American could understand:  how would America feel if rockets were being launched at San Diego on a daily basis from Tijuana. 

We then headed to the Bloomfield Science Museum, where we heard from leaders in solar and wind power from both the academic and the business communities, and I was struck by the important connections to South Florida. As soon as I get back, I will start working to connect scientists and entrepreneurs from Israel and South Florida to enhance collaborative opportunities. Israel is on the cutting edge when it comes to clean energy technology, and it was great to hear from their experts on the subject.  From Israel’s leadership on solar and wind power to its commitment to becoming the first regional pilot for electrically-powered cars, I look forward to learning more and helping to find relevance for South Florida.

Clean energy is an issue of personal passion for Israeli President Shimon Peres. He speaks with great vision on this issue, and it was inspirational to hear his comments at his beautiful residence over a late lunch.  Peres is a giant, a real legend in the Israeli past and present, and it was an honor to meet him.

Next I had a special opportunity to visit with college students from South Florida who are studying abroad in Israel. These are our best and our brightest young people, and it was extremely valuable to hear about their experiences and perceptions of the world around them. I want to thank all of the students for a meeting that was certainly among the highlights of my trip.

Our last stop in Jerusalem today was Hadassah hospital, another place with deep South Florida connections. This hospital is in the business of building bridges, along with delivering the highest-quality medical care. They treat every person that comes through the door, Jews and Arabs alike, and do significant outreach in Arab villages. Hadassah hospital is supported in part by donations from the United States, and the generosity of our neighbors in South Florida has made a real impact here.

We concluded our day with a remarkable concert by the Israeli Philharmonic, celebrating Israel’s 60th anniversary. Tonight’s concert was conducted by the great Zubin Mehta, who shared with us a montage of the Philharmonic’s history, which predates the state of Israel, and stories of how the musicians have entertained troops throughout the years , even wearing gas masks when necessary, but never letting the music stop.

Tomorrow, our trip comes to an end, so I will look forward to updating you on our last day in Israel.

 

May 19, 2008 – Day Four – Political and religious leaders, working for peace

Sadly, today is the last day of our trip, but we are determined to make the most of it.

We began this morning with an unscheduled meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu, a former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.  He shared his views on security and defense issues, and again, Iran was stressed as a major threat to Israel. What was most interesting to me was Netanyahu’s belief that the key to peace is to create economic opportunity for the Palestinian people. He stressed that Palestinians could create a tourism industry around the holy sites in the areas under their control.  He believes that with good jobs and a positive outlook for the future, Palestinians will be less receptive to Hamas. 

Discussions of foreign affairs and security continued at our next meeting, with Foreign Affairs Minister Tzipi Livni. She discussed the prospects of the “road map” to peace, and how Israel is employing multiple strategies moving forward, from military to government services.  She believes that any deadlines are artificial, and that this process will take time.

Our next meeting was another highlight of the trip for me. We had the privilege of meeting with an elite interfaith council, the Council of Religious Institutions of the Holy Land dedicated to building understanding and dialogue among Christians, Jews and Muslims. Representing the Council were Rabbi Shlomo Amar, Catholic Archbishop Michel Sabbah and a representative of the Muslim community, Salah Zuhayka. They told us that this was the first time since the year 638 that a group like this has existed.  This group is working to establish confidence and trust between the religious communities, and I was extremely impressed by their efforts. Looking back to the civil rights movement in the U.S., we can see that we must never underestimate the value of people of faith coming together to work towards a common goal.

After a fascinating lunch hosted by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, we traveled to the Knesset to meet with leaders and accept a formal welcome from our legislative counterparts. We heard speeches from Prime Minister Olmert and Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik, who, like our own Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, is the first female Speaker in her country’s history.  It was wonderful to see Israel’s legislative body in action, and compare and contrast it with our own.  

After another full day, we are now boarding the plane to head back home. This was a fascinating trip, and I am grateful to Speaker Pelosi for inviting me to join her. I look forward to arriving home in South Florida to share more stories from this journey, and hear your thoughts about Israel at 60!

Please click here to see my photo album from the delegation to Israel.