Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ hosted a high-level symposium this week at Bell Works, Holmdel, on the NJ-Israel economic development relationship and all it means to our respective and collective communities, advancements, and connections. 

Distinguished panel members included Robert Zuckerman, Economic Development Officer at Township of East Brunswick; Gary Minkoff, Assistant Professor of Professional Practice at Rutgers University; and Sarah Kan, Sr. Director of State Government Affairs at Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Andrew Gross, Executive Director of the State of New Jersey NJ-Israel Commission, moderated. 

They discussed myriad ways the NJ-Israel relationship benefits our respective economies and people, from creating jobs and fostering ground-breaking innovation and discovery, to building multi-cultural bridges of understanding, cooperation, and caring. 

Since the 1980s, the State of NJ has maintained a NJ-Israel Commission to foster economic, scientific, educational and cultural ties with the State of Israel, one of New Jersey's most important trading partners.

The New Jersey-Israel Commission reports that it is committed to advancing trade and investment opportunities between the two states while helping the Garden State grow and prosper.

"In New Jersey, we embrace our strong relationship with Israel and see Israelis moving not only their homes, but their businesses, from nearby states and major cities to reap the benefits of what we offer," the Commission says.

Among recent examples:

• Israeli-based, multinational drug manufacturerer, Teva Pharmaceuticals, moved its North American headquarters to NJ in 2019
• East Brunswick Township formed a sister city relationship with the Israeli city of Yavne for mutual economic, environmental, educational, and cultural benefit
• Rutgers and Tel Aviv University entered a partnership to boost research collaboration relating to drug discovery, cybersecurity, gene therapy, nanomaterials, and more  

Thank you to all who participated in and supported this discussion, including sponsors – DK Solutions, Monmouth Reform Temple, Fine Wines and Liquors of East Brunswick, and B&B Wines and Liquors of Fair Lawn.

Jewish Federation hosted this discussion as part of its Israel Engagement Initiatives: fostering ways for local community members to strengthen their relationships with Israel, supporting people living in Israel who are in need, and celebrating Israel for its place in Jewish life and the world at large. The evening kicked off months of Israel@75 celebrations culminating in a community journey to Israel in the fall of 2023.

To receive updates about the Israel trip as soon as they are released, sign up here to receive emails.

For more about Israel@75, click here. 

See more photos from the panel discussion.