At a May 20 reception in Princeton, Gov. Jon Corzine, right, announces the appointment of Daniel Kurtzer, center, as the new chair of the New Jersey-Israel Commission, as NJIC executive director Andrea Yonah looks on. Photos by Courtney Burke/Governor’s Office
May 29, 2008
Gov. Jon Corzine celebrated Israel’s 60th birthday and its 20-year partnership with New Jersey at a May 20 reception at Drumthwacket, the governor’s residence in Princeton.
More than 100 Jewish leaders from around the state were on hand for a reception, held to honor the New Jersey-Israel Commission on its 20th anniversary.
“I’m proud that New Jersey will continue this longstanding tradition of encouraging cultural, educational, and international commerce between New Jersey and Israel,” Corzine told the gathering. “We stand together at 60…years with the thought that our dreams will be fulfilled.”
Corzine also used the occasion to formally announce the appointment of Daniel Kurtzer as the new chair of the commission. Kurtzer is former United States ambassador to Israel and Egypt and the S. Daniel Abraham Professor in Middle Eastern Policy Studies at Princeton University. The governor described Kurtzer as a man “who served our nation so admirably in Israel. We are thrilled he is willing to lead the New Jersey-Israel Commission.”
Corzine with Asaf Shariv, consul general of Israel in New York, at the reception marking Israel’s 60th anniversary.
“It was a wonderful evening and a celebration of the extraordinary relationship between New Jersey and Israel,” commission executive director Andrea Yonah said after the reception. “I appreciate the governor’s tremendous support and hospitality. It set a positive tone for all we hope to accomplish in the coming year.”
NJ Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells also attended the event, which featured entertainment by LASHIR, the Jewish Community Choir of Princeton.
Corzine also welcomed Asaf Shariv, consul general of Israel in New York. Referring to Shariv as “a remarkable man and an outspoken leader who understands the national and local issues,” the governor announced that the consul general would join him on a planned mission to Israel this summer.
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