CAM Solidarity Mission Brings US Leaders to Israel to Tackle Antisemitism

In June, two bipartisan delegations of American mayors and state lawmakers visited Israel on missions organized by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM). These trips aimed to express solidarity with Israel, strengthen bilateral ties, and deepen understanding of the challenges Israel faces following the October 7 Hamas invasion, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and 250 kidnappings.

The first delegation, which visited from June 4-11, included 13 US municipal leaders. They met with Israeli officials, visited historical and religious sites, and engaged with local communities to discuss municipal governance and community relations.

From June 9-14, a bipartisan group of 15 state legislators, including Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, Sen. Daniel Dawson, Rep. Randy Fine, Sen. Robby Mills, and Rep. Christopher Todd, also visited Israel with CAM. This group focused on state-level policies, economic partnerships, and educational collaborations, exploring strategies to combat antisemitism within their respective states.

"It is crucial that we promote understanding and fight against the spread of misinformation and hate," said Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears of Virginia. "By learning about Israel's vibrant diversity and the complex realities I just witnessed, we can better understand and combat antisemitism disguised as criticism of Israel. As state leaders, we have a responsibility to stand up against hatred and bigotry in all its forms.”

CAM CEO Sasha Roitman-Dratwa emphasized the importance of these missions. "Mayors and state legislators are on the frontlines of fighting antisemitism and building more inclusive communities at the local level," he said. "By providing these leaders with the opportunity to visit Israel, learn about its vibrant diversity, and make person-to-person connections, we can effectively counter misinformation about Israel while combating antisemitism at the grassroots level.”

The delegations also visited significant sites related to the October 7 massacre, providing a platform for mutual learning and solidarity among American leaders. CAM's Chief Government Affairs Officer Lisa Katz highlighted the mission's role in countering global misinformation and raising awareness about antisemitism.

According to CAM, these initiatives are crucial in shaping public opinion, policies, and educational efforts across American communities. By fostering a deeper understanding of Israel and its challenges, these efforts aim to strengthen international partnerships and combat antisemitism effectively at grassroots levels.

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