Press Releases

Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) released the following statement on the first CBC Congressional Delegation to Israel:

“On behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus I thank the American Israel Education Foundation for hosting the CBC’s first delegation to Israel. 

“I thank President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the State of Israel, and Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah of the Palestinian Authority for welcoming Members of the CBC to Jerusalem and to Ramallah. It is our hope these leaders will soon agree to a viable solution that will bring increased stability, growth and economic opportunity to their nations.

“As we approach another critical turning point for the Middle East, Members of the Congressional Black Caucus reiterate our support for continued progress of peace negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian leaders. Meeting with Knesset Members from within the Israeli government, and hearing stories of individuals living with the daily threat of extreme violence underscored how important it is for a comprehensive and final agreement over Iran’s nuclear program to be made within the framework and timeline established by the P5+1.

“Members of the Congressional Black Caucus applaud Secretary of State John Kerry for his efforts to ensure Israel and Palestine may co-existpeacefully, each as independent nations that are safe for all citizens within the region."

Background:Upon invitation from the American Israel Education Foundation (AIEF), the CBC Delegation traveled to Israel from February 15 – February 22, 2014. The delegation met with both Israeli and Palestinian leadership including the Honorable Shimon Peres, President of the State of Israel, the Honorable Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of the State of Israel, and the Honorable Rami Hamdallah, Prime Minister of the State of Palestine, and various members of Israeli society.

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