The Arizona and national business community expressed solidarity with Israel following Saturday’s horrific attack on the country by Hamas terrorists.

Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden

“Arizona stands with Israel. The members of the Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ of Commerce & Industry condemn without equivocation this horrific terrorist attack.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to represent Arizona in official delegations to Israel, where our state has made clear its solidarity with and support for the Israeli people. We reiterate our belief in Israel’s right to exist and to defend itself.”

The Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ has been a leader in promoting stronger ties between Arizona and Israel. Highlights include:

• March 2022: Seiden hosted a conversation with Dr. Hillel Newman, the Israeli Consul General in Los Angeles, at an event hosted by the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations. During his remarks, Newman called Arizona “a special friend of Israel.”

• June 2022: On behalf of the Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­, Seiden inked a memorandum of understanding with the Federation of Israeli Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­s of Commerce to collaborate to “strengthen trade, technological and industrial cooperation.”

• The FICC represents more than 5,000 businesses that operate in 120 different sectors. The Federation is an umbrella organization for six regional chambers of commerce in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Beer Sheva, Eilat, and Nazareth.

• 2019: The Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ supported legislation to open an Arizona trade office in Israel, which a bipartisan delegation of 18 state lawmakers officially opened in November of that year. 
  
  
• The Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ also supported legislation signed by former Gov. Doug Ducey to oppose the BDS movement – which encourages institutions to boycott, divest, or sell Israeli-related assets – an effort by anti-Israel activists to isolate the country economically.

• 2018: The Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ in 2018 convened a special water conference in conjunction with the U.S. Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ and several Israeli water experts to examine best practices in water technology.

U.S. Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ of Commerce

“The U.S. Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ of Commerce strongly condemns the heinous attacks on Israel. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the people of Israel and stand in solidarity with them as they battle the scourge of terrorism.

“We are mobilizing support for the victims in partnership with the Jewish Federations of North America and other organizations. And we are in touch with our partners from the Israeli government and AmCham Israel as we further explore ways for the U.S. Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ and the business community to provide humanitarian assistance during this difficult time.

“For further information on how to support relief efforts or other matters, please email: resilience@uschamber.com.”

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs

Arizona U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema

Arizona U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly

Arizona House delegation

U.S. Rep. David Schweikert (AZ-1)

U.S. Rep. Eli Crane (AZ-2)

U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-3)

U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton (AZ-4)

U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs (AZ-5)

U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-6)

U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko (AZ-8)

U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar (AZ-9)

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As Hanukkah enters its final nights, it is an opportune time to reflect on Arizona’s solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people. It’s not just a casual notion. In fact, Arizona leaders like Gov. Doug Ducey have made it official state policy.

Last May saw two weeks of violence in Israel, the worst in seven years. The violence accompanied an uptick in antisemitic incidents in the United States, with the ADL a doubling of such incidents year over year. Arizona wasn’t spared. Two Tucson synagogues, including the that former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords and state Rep. Alma Hernandez call home, were vandalized.

At the time of the vandalism, Gov. Ducey , “Anti-Semitism has NO place in Arizona and this behavior cannot be tolerated. Arizona stands with those of the Jewish faith.”

The governor and Legislature have made sure that’s the case.

A passed by the Legislature in 2019 and signed by the governor would prevent state government from engaging in contracts with firms that participate in the anti-Israel Boycott, Divest, and Sanction movement, otherwise known as BDS.

Consistent with that law, Arizona state Treasurer Kimberly Yee earlier this year the state’s bond holdings in Unilever PLC, the parent company of Ben & Jerry’s, after the ice cream company announced it wouldn’t sell its products in certain Israeli territories. Arizona also holds $15 million in .

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich last month joined a 12-state coalition of attorneys general urging Unilever to reverse its decision, pointing out in a that Unilever does business in places like China, Russia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and even Iran.

The ties between Arizona and Israel are strong, with visits by the governor and legislators underscoring how the Start Up Nation and the Start Up State are kindred spirits, who value entrepreneurship and innovation.

I accompanied the governor in 2015 when he led the state’s , where he spoke at WATEC, the globe’s most prominent water technology conference, and discussed how Arizona and Israel were both demonstrating how economic expansion in an arid, desert region and water stewardship were complementary.

In December 2019, the Ducey family traveled to the Holy Land, which included a stop at the , as well as meetings with the new Arizona-Israel trade office, whose opening was marked that November by a large delegation of state legislators who included funding for the in the budget they passed that May, which was enthusiastically signed by Gov. Ducey. In addition to water stewardship, the trade office can facilitate Arizona and Israeli firms’ collaboration on cybersecurity, defense & aerospace and other economic sectors where we have shared interests.

Trade missions to our international partners are important ways to build the Arizona brand abroad and tout our state as an attractive place for foreign investment and job-creating collaboration. Arizona has leveraged its favorable tax and regulatory policy to .

But our relationship with Israel goes far beyond business – it’s rooted in firm support for the Jewish state and total opposition to antisemitism.

Chag Sameach.

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The Trump Administration Thursday that Israel and the United Arab Emirates had come to an agreement normalizing relations between the two Middle Eastern nations. President Trump took to Twitter saying, “HUGE breakthrough today! Historic Peace Agreement between our two GREAT friends, Israel and the United Arab Emirates!”

Outlined in a made by all three nations is a rough patchwork for the vision of bilateral Israeli-UAE relations moving forward. 

In the coming weeks they will meet to sign “agreements regarding investment, tourism, direct flights, security, telecommunications, technology, energy, healthcare, culture, the environment, the establishment of reciprocal embassies, and other areas of mutual benefit.”

Rocky past

Historically serving as a broker of peace in the region, the United States has struggled to bring majority-Muslim Arab states to the negotiating table with Israel. 

To date only two other Arab nations have normalized relations with Israel: Egypt and Jordan. 

President Bill Clinton’s Oslo Accords, signed in 1993 (and a second part in 1995), seemed to be a breakthrough in Israeli-Palestinian-Arab relations. The Accords’ aims never materialized, however.

American diplomats, as well as Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, celebrated Thursday’s agreement as an “enormous, historic step forward,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said.

Negotiators hope that this venture in diplomacy stands as a bedrock for further normalization of regional relations.

What’s in the deal?

According the joint statement released by the White House, Israel has agreed to:

• halt plans for annexation of certain regions of the West Bank which it has declared sovereignty over;
• allow Muslims to freely worship at the Al Asqa mosque and “Jerusalem’s other holy sites”; and
• focus on normalization of relations with other Arab states.

The United Arab Emirates will:

• fully recognize the state of Israel, normalizing relations with the nation; and
• collaborate with Israel on vaccine development, economic growth, and more.

Both the UAE and Israel have agreed to join with the United States “to launch a Strategic Agenda for the Middle East to expand diplomatic, trade, and security cooperation.”

Vaccine development

Renowned as a global hub for medical innovation, Israel has been at the of COVID-19 vaccine development and testing.

With Thursday’s announcement comes the promise that Israel, the UAE, and the United States will be able to work collaboratively to develop and test potential coronavirus vaccines and treatment options.

Commercial expansion

A steadfast, reliable economic partner of the United States, Israel has both benefited from and contributed to the bilateral commercial health of both nations. 

According to the U.S. Embassy in Israel, between the two states has increased “ten-fold to $49 billion in 2016” since 1985, when the United States-Israel Free Trade Agreement took effect.

“Israelis now invest close to $24 billion in the United States, nearly triple what it was a decade earlier,” the embassy notes.

Commonly known as “Start-Up Nation,” Israel’s job creator friendly regulatory environment has enabled them to in start-ups per-capita. 

“With a population of around 8.5 million, it has the largest number of startups per capita in the world, around one startup per 1,400 people,” Kristina Velan of APEX magazine said.

An economic engine in the Middle East, the potential partnership with the UAE can only expand both nations’ economic and geopolitical prowess.

Arizona’s moment

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey in 2019 the opening of the Arizona-Israel Trade and Investment Office in Tel Aviv, a venture championed at the state Legislature by state Rep. Tony Rivero, R-Peoria. 

Glenn Hamer, CEO and president of the Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ of Commerce and Industry that, “Israel is known worldwide as the Startup Nation. Arizona is the Startup State. Arizona and Israel are a great match.”

With Thursday’s news, Arizona is poised to benefit from expanded Israeli commerce and a less tense Middle East.

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A trade delegation of elected officials and business leaders from Arizona are in Tel Aviv this week to celebrate the opening of Arizona’s first trade and investment office in Israel.

The group includes members of the Arizona Legislature and staff members from the Arizona Commerce Authority.

“It’s an honor to celebrate the historic opening of the Arizona Trade Office in Israel with those who worked together with me to make this a reality,” said Arizona State Rep. Tony Rivero, R-Peoria, in a from the Arizona House of Representatives. “By working together with Israel, we will strengthen trade and spur economic development.”

Rivero is the chairman of the House State and International Affairs Committee. He said he was glad to be joined by Israel officials and members of the Arizona Legislature, the Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ of Commerce and the Arizona Commerce Authority to celebrate the “tremendous achievement.”

Rep. Walt Blackman, a Republican from Snowflake, called the an historic event that will “open the door to countless opportunities of business collaborations between Arizona and Israel.” He said the two governments must take every opportunity to create mutual economic growth that spurs both business and tourism to flourish in their respective regions.

Democratic Rep. Alma Hernandez of Tucson said she was “incredibly proud” to be attending the bipartisan trip to Israel.

“Israel is a country that I feel a strong connection to, and a country I am proud to stand with as one of the Jewish elected,” Hernandez said. “This is a unique opportunity for our delegation of Arizona lawmakers to have a meaningful trip and learn about issues Israel and the Middle East are facing today.”

Rep. Gerae Peten, D-Goodyear, said the trip provides the delegation an opportunity to explore history, find inspiration and learn more about the “incredible resilience” of the Israeli people.

“I thoroughly look forward to witnessing how the multitudes honor their diversity of culture, ethics, and religion on a daily basis with dignity and strength to create better futures,” she said. “We have so much to learn on this trip to Israel, and I feel blessed to be immersed in this phenomenal experience.”

Glenn Hamer, president and CEO of the, said the Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ “applauds” Rivero for his leadership in establishing the new office, which he said will further strengthen the relationship between Arizona and Israel.

“I anticipate increased commercial activity and collaboration between Arizona — the startup state — and Israel — the startup nation — in aerospace and defense, autonomous technology, cybersecurity, technology, and much more,” Hamer said. “I am confident that under the direction of the Arizona Commerce Authority, the Tel Aviv Trade and Investment Office will set the standard for state trade offices in Israel.”

Hamer said two-way trade activity between Arizona and Israel today amounts to nearly $500 million, and he expects the new office to make that number rise.

Eitan Weiss, deputy chief of mission of the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles, also joined the delegation to offer support.

“In the past 10 years we have seen an increase in the mutual economic ties between Israel and Arizona that spill over to many other fields, from academic to research and development, energy, and defense,” Weiss said in the statement. “The opening of the Arizona trade office in Israel will allow many Israeli companies to examine the potential of collaborating with Arizona-based companies and even open an extension in Arizona to serve as their gateway to the U.S. and world markets.

“The consulate invested many efforts to strengthen the ties between Israel and Arizona, and we take pride that our efforts have resulted in such an unequivocal move to bolster the Israel-Arizona ties,” he said.

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A delegation of Israeli business leaders and advocates, alongside Arizona counterparts and lawmakers, championed international relations last week during a visit at the Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ of Commerce and Industry in Phoenix.

The meeting follows a series of collaborative discussions about how Israel and Arizona can learn from each other and help each other meet similar goals.

“There’s a very strong innovative culture within Arizona,” said Paul Hughes, senior vice president for business attraction at the Arizona Commerce Authority. “Most everybody here is from somewhere else, and it’s an excellent pot – if you will – for all of this cross-pollination to take place, where ideas can flourish under a very low regulatory environment.”

Arizona business leaders hope to draw Israeli entrepreneurs to Arizona’s growing finance, technology, manufacturing and defense industries. In turn, Israeli innovators hope to work with Arizonans to find new and better solutions to shared challenges.

Water is a prime example. Israel is about 60 percent desert, and Arizona is about 42 percent desert, with 65 percent of the state population residing in the heart of the Sonoran Desert in Maricopa County.

“I was born and raised in maybe one of the most arid places in Israel, in the middle of the desert,” said Gili Ovadia, Consulfor Economic Affairs to the West Coast at the Israeli Ministry of Economy. Ovadia said he is proud of the progress Israel has made in developing more effective water technology.

Israel now produces enough water through desalination–removing salt from seawater–to export surplus water to neighboring countries, Ovadia said. Desalination plants in California are already using Israeli technology to create drinking water, he said.

“We don’t really have an ocean anywhere nearby, but we know that desalination will be part of the future of Arizona’s water supply,” said Chuck Podolak, director of water rights at the Salt River Project.

Israel is a world leader in cyber security, which goes hand-in-hand with Arizona’s budding technology and manufacturing sectors. Both states are pioneers in the emerging financial technology industry, known as FinTech.

Arizona was the first state in the country to pass legislation creating a regulatory FinTech “sandbox,” thanks largely to Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, who is a vocal proponent of the industry, said Glenn Hamer, president and CEO of the Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ of Commerce and Industry. In a sandbox, startups, entrepreneurs and even established companies can launch products on a limited scale to test innovative products and services without the usual regulatory costs and burdens.

“It was because of Attorney General Brnovich and his team that Arizona is… the beachhead for the United States of America when it comes to FinTech,” Hamer said. “And I know from our recent trip to Israel that Israel is ahead of the game when it comes to sandbox and regulatory relief for next-generation banking-type products.”

Israel is the startup nation and Arizona is the startup state, and their similarities are striking, Brnovich said.

Trade is more important than ever as the world continues to get smaller through the use of technology, he said. “We want to make sure we foster relationships with countries throughout this world.”

“Whether it’s Mexico, or Canada, or transportation technology, or the nation of Israel, we want you to know that you have the strong commitment of leadership in Arizona and we will be there standing side by side with you,” Brnovich said.

In keeping with that sentiment, the Arizona Commerce Authority is making connections with industry leaders domestically and abroad, as well as Arizona’s economic development partners, to inform them of what the state has to offer in terms of workforce, financial incentives and limited regulation, Hughes said.

“It’s our ambition to not only attract companies,” Hughes said. “We want to make sure that they thrive when arrive here.”

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