During my recent visit to Washington DC in late August, I had the honour of being hosted by the AJC to speak at one of their National Leadership Council Lunches. As Vice-Chair of Transatlantic Friends of Israel in the European Parliament, this was an excellent opportunity to discuss how the alliance between Europe, the United States, Canada and Israel can strengthen our security and prosperity and protect the rules-based international order.

I briefed AJC’s Leadership on TFI’s campaigns; which unite lawmakers from across Europe and the United States to call on the European Union to designate Hezbollah in its entirety as a terrorist organization, to stop funding organizations that use Palestinian textbooks that promote antisemitism, encourage violence and delegitimize Israel, and to end the UN’s discrimination against Israel.

Returning to the European Parliament in Brussels this week, after the summer recess, I am pleased to have been able to follow up on some of these issues.

UNRWA’s Commissioner General, Philippe Lazzarini, appeared before the Foreign Affairs Committee this week. There are longstanding issues regarding the agency’s failure to maintain neutrality and impartiality. This applies to both its work on the ground and its public advocacy on the world stage.

The Trade Committee discussed ways for boosting its ties with countries in the so-called “Southern Neighbourhood” via trade and investment. This encompasses 10 countries, including Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Morocco.

I argued for better bilateral cooperation with Israel, which needs to start with a reconvening of our joint Association Council.

Developing EU-Israeli relations is one of my key priorities. Connecting that work with the efforts of my counterparts across the Atlantic is what drives the TFI. There are many areas for joint collaboration, and I look forward to bringing news of those projects soon.

More in the newsletter … here.