International delegation gathers in Jerusalem to honor victims and explore technological and economic partnerships.
By Shula Rosen
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee called on mayors from around the world to challenge misinformation about Israel by sharing their firsthand experiences during a gathering in Jerusalem on Sunday marking the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht.
Dozens of municipal leaders attended a candle-lighting ceremony commemorating the Nazi pogrom of November 9-10, 1938, which marked a major escalation in the persecution of European Jews before the Holocaust.
The event opened the 35th International Mayors Conference, organized by the American Jewish Congress (AJC) to promote cooperation between Israeli institutions and local governments worldwide.
Addressing the delegation, Huckabee urged participants to form their own judgments about Israel rather than accept accounts circulating internationally.
“There are so many crazy things being said about Israel around the world that simply aren’t true. Israel needs more people to come here, see the reality with their own eyes, and then go home and simply tell people what they saw.”
Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor, also emphasized the influence of municipal leaders in shaping public attitudes and implementing policy.
“Mayors and governors have one thing in common: we actually get things done. You can wake up in the morning with an idea and have it implemented by the end of the day.”
Turning to economic cooperation, the ambassador criticized international boycott campaigns against Israel despite the country’s technological contributions.
“Instead of the world simply saying thank you to Israel for the technologies and innovations it provides, there are countries seeking to boycott and sanction it. That’s crazy. What we should have here is a genuine partnership.”
AJC President Daniel Rosen said the conference would introduce visiting mayors to Israeli innovations and encourage cooperation in technology, education and economic development.
“Over the coming days, mayors from around the world will experience innovation born out of necessity. This visit is an opportunity to build trust and personal relationships that will endure long after it ends,” Rosen said.
He added that the organization hoped participants would establish enduring connections with Israel and pursue practical initiatives benefiting their communities.
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