Standing with Israel

Friend,

I just returned to Wisconsin from a visit to Israel with 70+ colleagues on a bipartisan congressional delegation—the largest bipartisan delegation ever to visit Israel. It was a busy few days meeting with Israeli leaders and seeing historical and spiritual sites important to Christians, Jews, and Muslims around the world. Israel is one of the United States' strongest allies. This visit focused on strengthening the United States’ relationship with Israel and its people. To learn more about my visit, head to my Facebook page.

Great spending my Saturday afternoon at the Kenosha County Fair!

Check out some highlights from my visit to Israel below...

Security and Defense

The Iron Dome technology is used by Israel’s military to intercept and shoot down rockets heading for the country. Terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah target Israel, but this system provides Israel with air missile protection. This technology is supported by the United States and is an example of our security alliance with Israel. I also had the opportunity to meet with members of the Israel Defense Forces and learn about their military operation in the Middle East.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

I visited the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the place of Jesus’s crucifixion and His empty tomb. It was remarkable to see this holy place in person. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is in the Old City of Jerusalem and is one of the holiest places in the Christian faith. Within the church, there are the last four stations of the Via Dolorosa, representing the Passion of Jesus. Pictured above is the Stone of Anointing, where Jesus’s body was anointed before His burial.

Meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu



Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed his commitment to strengthening Israel’s alliance with the United States. This was an opportunity for us to hear from a world leader and discuss ways Congress can build upon this relationship. I cosponsored the Strengthening America’s Security in the Middle East Act to extend U.S. defense cooperation with Jordan, increase security assistance to Israel, and establish additional sanctions related to the conflict in Syria.

Israel-Syria Border

I was in the Golan Heights in Israel. This photo shows the Israel-Syria border, overlooking the desolate towns in Syria because of their ongoing civil war. There are many Israeli positions along the higher points looking into Syria. Historically, there have been traditional Syrian army units opposite of Israel. However, during the course of the Syrian civil war, terrorist groups like Hezbollah have taken over the positioning in Syria. Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations pose a great threat to Israel and Congress must examine ways to deter these aggressions and support our ally.  

As always, please reach out to my office if you need assistance with a federal agency or want to share an opinion.

On Wisconsin,

Bryan G. Steil
Member of Congress