Today, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) announced that he will be traveling to Israel with a Congressional delegation to gain a firsthand understanding of the region’s challenges and how to strengthen ties between the United States and its vital ally.

On the trip, which comes with no costs to taxpayers, Gottheimer will meet with the senior Israeli and Palestinian leaders and military officials to discuss economic, diplomatic, and security concerns and see up close their missile defense systems as the allies work together to combat Iran, ISIS  and terrorism in the region.

“Israel is our most important ally and a beacon of democracy in a troubled region, and I look forward to learning more about how we can strengthen our bilateral relationship and work together to fight terrorism,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer. “I also look forward to meeting with political leaders across the region and discussing the need for a lasting peace. I will continue to advocate relentlessly on a bipartisan basis for supporting Israel to strengthen our own national security interests as well as those of our vital ally and friend.”

Gottheimer has been a champion of Israel in the House of Representatives, passing the bipartisan U.S.-Israel Joint Missile Defense Act to further develop the Arrow 3 missile defense system, as well as introducing a bill to help states, local governments, and asset managers fight back against the politically-motivated boycott of Israel. Gottheimer also sits on the Financial Service’s Committee’s Subcommittee on Terrorism and Illicit Financing and introduced a bill to strengthen sanctions on foreign entities that assist Hamas.

The trip is sponsored by the American Israel Education Foundation (AIEF), the charitable organization affiliated with AIPAC, and privately funded by American citizens.