JERUSALEM (JTA) — More than 50 Jewish lawmakers from 22 countries discussed the political challenges of supporting Israel during a visit to Jerusalem.
The lawmakers were in Israel this week for a Consultation of the International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians organized by the World Jewish Congress.
At a hearing Tuesday in Israel’s Knesset, the lawmakers discussed the anti-Israel feelings being felt in national capitals around the world. The council’s chairman, U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-N.Y.), moderated the session.
“The coming months will be ones of unprecedented challenge for all those looking to defend the interests of the Jewish state,” said Dan Diker, secretary general of the World Jewish Congress. “Ensuring that these lawmakers can maximize their influence to support Israel and world Jewry’s basic rights will therefore be critical in overcoming the many obstacles that we know lie ahead.”
The lawmakers met with their Israeli counterparts in the Knesset and with other public officials. They also visited the protest tent of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
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