There is no greater way to learn about Israel than to visit Israel. This week, more than 40 members of Congress, Democrats and Republicans, are in Israel with AIEF, AIPAC’s affiliated education foundation. 

These trips provide lawmakers with an unparalleled education and allow them to forge deep personal connections to the Jewish state. They also provide powerful opportunities to examine the challenges facing Israel, allowing them to make informed U.S. foreign policy decisions.

The members will meet Israeli leaders, be briefed by security experts, travel to the north and south, and connect with the Israeli people. 

Included below are short videos from some of the members reflecting on the trip so far and their experience in Israel.

"Israel is both modern and ancient at the same time, and it's a blessing to experience it."

"This has been an incredible experience and we’re only 24 hours in." 

"I am concerned about the safety, the wellbeing of Israel. And that's why I'm here. To speak to government officials and also to listen. Most importantly, to listen to the Israeli people."

“You can look at it in a book, you can read about it online, but being here firsthand is so important.”

"It's so wonderful to express our support for the special relationship between the United States and Israel."

Rep. Michael McCaul sends a message from the bus in Jerusalem with House Republicans.

"It's very critical to ensuring that there's this growing partnership, and ultimately, that Israel is safe and secure. And America has a big part in making that happen."

"It's important for us to be here to understand the complexity of the region, the complexity of this incredible new government, and also to demonstrate the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship."

Rep. Elaine Luria (D-VA) joins AIPAC to discuss why she supports a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, the growing threats facing Israel, and the importance of U.S.-Israel missile defense cooperation.

Rep. Luria represents Virginia’s Second Congressional District. Prior to her election in 2018, Rep. Luria served two decades in the Navy, retiring at the rank of Commander. Vice Chair of the House Armed Services Committee and a member the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Rep. Luria was one of the first women in the Navy’s nuclear power program and among the first women to serve the entirety of her career in combatant ships.