AJC Leaders Visit Germany, Israel, Egypt, Jordan And Turkey For Meetings

American Jewish Committee
Tuesday, 3 February 1998

Issues To Include Peace Process, Religious Pluralism, Arms Control, Iran And Iraq

The American Jewish Committee's Board of Governors Institute will travel to Germany, Israel, Jordan, Egypt and Turkey for meetings with top-level government officials on critical issues of concern to the Jewish community.

The February 8-17 mission of more than 100 American Jewish leaders and representatives of major world Jewish communities is being led by AJC President Robert S. Rifkind, Chairman of the Board of Governors Bruce M. Ramer and Executive Director David A. Harris. The Board will engage in high-level discussions on the Arab-Israeli peace process, religious pluralism in Israel, terrorism and weapons proliferation, and strategies to contain Iran and Iraq. The AJC mission to Israel is held in conjunction with Israel's 50th anniversary celebration.

Beginning in Germany, Feb. 8-10, AJC will dedicate its new Berlin office, becoming the first American Jewish organization to establish a full-time and permanent presence in Germany. In Berlin, members of the delegation will meet with government officials including President Roman Herzog, members of the Jewish community and prominent academics. A gala dinner will celebrate the beginning of a new era in German-Jewish relations and will feature Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel.

In Israel, from Feb. 11-15, the AJC delegation will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Labor Party Chairman Ehud Barak, IDF Chief of Staff Major General Amnon Lipkin Shahak, Minister of Communications Limor Livnat, Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert, security and defense experts and others. A meeting with PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat is also on the agenda.

After Israel, the delegation will split up for concurrent visits to Egypt, Turkey and Jordan. In Egypt, the AJC will meet with President Hosni Mubarak and Foreign Minister Amre Moussa. In Jordan, AJC's governing leaders expect to meet with King Hussein, Crown Prince Hassan and Foreign Minister Dr. Fayez Tarawneh. In Turkey, the AJC will meet with President Suleyman Demirel, Deputy Chief of Staff Cevik Bir and other leaders.

The Board of Governors Institute is an event that brings AJC's Governing Board to Israel and other nations for meetings with government and other civic leadership and Jewish communal officials.

For more information, or to contact American Jewish Committee, see their website at: www.ajc.org