Chabad Rabbis Invited by NJ Governor on Official Visit to Israel

Governor Chris Christie has just concluded his first foreign travel visit. This historic event was a 4 day period filled with events both spiritual and business related. The Governor met with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, President Shimon Peres, US Ambassador Dan Shapiro, and many notables in Israel. The governor invited the founder-director of the Chabad House at Rutgers University, Rabbi Yosef Carlebach, to accompany him on this unique journey, together with 14 other community leaders and individuals.

The Governor began his trip with a visit to the Old City in Jerusalem, and toured the Temple Mount site, and the Kotel Hamaaravi - The Western Wall. At the Kotel, the Governor was greeted by the Kotel's Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, and was given a special prayer of "Psalms of David" by Rabbi Carlebach. The moments spent by the Kotel were most meaningful and emotional. Hundreds of people stood by and watched as the Governor and his entourage spent moments reflecting and praying on the site that is the remaining wall of the Jewish Temple, and the center of religious belief for much of the world's population. As the Governor walked from the Western Wall site, he was pleasantly surprised to discover that many people present knew him, and came over to give their positive comments and blessings for the Governor's future.

The Governor met twice with Prime Minister Netanyahu, and they spent private time dealing with issues unique and common to both states. The next day, the entire delegation met with President Shimon Peres at his residence. President Peres spoke glowingly of the friendship and partnership between Israel and New Jersey, and asked that his best wishes for an inspirational Passover holiday be sent to the American people.

The entire group then toured Yad Vashem - Remembering the Holocaust, and the Governor was visibly moved as he and his daughter entered the Hall of Pictures. The Governor remarked that his understanding of anti-semitism was truly augmented by this experience. The trip also included business tours and meeting with major Israeli companies, including Teva Phamaceuticals, Better Place Electric Cars, The Israeli Center for Excellence. A special military tour of sites within central and north Israel was conducted by Israeli General Amir Eshel.

Rabbi Carlebach noted, "This was a first in many ways. To be honored by the Governor, as he travels to Israel for the first time in his life, and to experience with the Governor and his family, the level of emotion and feeling for the Jewish homeland and the people, is a once-in -a-lifetime event. I was constantly amazed to see how the Governor quickly grasped the unbelievable vicissitudes of daily life of the citizens of Israel. The Governor displayed his true emotional attachment to our people throughout this world-class trip."