A delegation of 25 parliamentarians from around the world is expected to arrive in Israel next week for the annual Israel Allies Conference. Among those who will address the gathering is the mother of an IDF officer whose remains are still being held by Gaza’s ruling Hamas terror organization.
The foreign minister of Venezuela, population minister of Estonia, foreign affairs committee member from Macedonia and the outgoing minister of defense from Romania are among those expected to attend next week’s gathering, as well as the previous foreign affairs minister of Croatia.
The President-elect of Guatemala, Alejandro Giammattei is also reportedly planning to attend as part of his first official visit to Israel.
“Through faith based diplomacy we will tackle politically based anti-Semitism like the European Court of Justice’s ruling allowing the EU to once again label Jewish produced goods in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria and the Golan Heights,” said IAF President Josh Reinstein.
In general, Israel Allies Caucuses worldwide focus on legislation against anti-Semitism, anti-Zionism and de-legitimization of Israel. As part of that mission, the delegates are scheduled to meet with influential Israeli politicians such as Minister of Strategic Affairs Gilad Erdan, MKs Benny Gantz, Gidon Saar, Yair Lapid, Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, and Shomron Regional Council Head Yossi Dagan.
The agenda also includes a tour of Samaria: the Chairman’s Conference will focus on the response to the European Union court’s demand that Jewish products from the Golan Heights, eastern Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria be labeled with their geographic origin. During their tour of Samaria they are scheduled to visit the Barkan Industrial Park and meet with family members of terror victims killed in the attack in Barkan over a year ago.
The parents of fallen IDF officer Hadar Goldin — Leah and Simcha Goldin — will also address the delegation as well, in attempt to garner international support for their efforts to rescue their son’s remains from the hands of Hamas. Their son fell during the 2014 summer war with Hamas, Operation Protective Edge. The remains of another IDF soldier, Oron Shaul, are also being held captive by Hamas as well.
Founded in 2007, the Israel Allies Foundation promotes communication between parliamentarians and lawmakers worldwide who share a belief that the State of Israel has a right to exist in peace within secure borders. The group currently coordinates the activities of 40 Israel Allies Caucuses around the world.