Hello John,

Governor Doug Ducey’s trip to Israel has come to a close, but Arizona’s relationship with the "Start Up Nation" will only continue to grow.

Over five busy days, the governor focused on issues of importance to Arizona’s growing economy: aerospace and defense, border security and technology. The governor's third trip to Israel also included meetings with government officials and visits to heritage sites. Throughout, he emphasized the strong collaboration and support between Arizona and Israel.

Check out highlights from the trip below.

Strengthening Ties

Governor Ducey met with trade and state officials, including Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, President Isaac Herzog and former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Focused on growing Arizona and Israel’s bilateral trade, the governor also met with representatives from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Enhancing Partnerships

Arizona and Israel are united by innovation with shared strengths in aerospace and defense, technology and manufacturing. Governor Ducey met with several of these industry leaders while in Israel, sharing Arizona’s advantages.

Honoring Fallen Heroes at the 9/11 Living Memorial

Governor Ducey, joined by Brigadier General Shawn Harris, Ambassadors Tom Nides and David Roet, commemorated Memorial Day at the 9/11 Living Memorial in Jerusalem. In a ceremony, the governor planted an olive tree in remembrance of the fallen. 

Governor Ducey Celebrates Jerusalem Day, Visits City of David

The governor met with Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion on May 29, celebrating the 55th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem during the Six Day War in 1967. He toured the City of David, where King David established Jerusalem as the capital over 3,000 years ago.

Governor Ducey Receives Defender of Israel Recognition

The Menachem Begin Center honored Governor Ducey with the Defender of Israel award, recognizing his leadership and Arizona’s strong defense and support of Israel.

Biblical Heritage Sites

A “profound experience” is what the governor called his visits to Israel’s important biblical heritage sites. He walked down the Via Dolorosa and visited the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, prayed at the Western Wall, saw the final resting place of Abraham at the Tomb of the Patriarchs, and toured the Church of Annunciation in Nazareth.

###