PATERSON - Continuing a strong working relationship with the Israeli government, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) today met with Ambassador Arye Mekel, Consul General of Israel, to discuss recent developments in the Middle East.   

"The ideas and concerns that Ambassador Mekel brought to me today reaffirmed the importance of America's partnership with the people and government of Israel," stated Pascrell.  "We had a candid conversation that is critical in this international effort to bring stability and peace to the Middle East.  I am hopeful that my meeting with Ambassador Mekel helped continue to foster the strong relationship between the United States and Israel."

Pascrell and Mekel discussed recent political developments in the Middle East and the upcoming elections in Israel.  Concerns about weapons of mass destruction and the global fight against terrorism were also exchanged. With regard to Iran and terrorist organizations like Hamas, the two agreed that these represent challenges that the entire  international community must address and that support should be given to any sovereign country who falls victim to terror attacks threatening their right to exist.  Mekel closed the discussion by thanking Pascrell for his work to bring stability to Israel, particularly his efforts on the Homeland Security Committee to further prepare the United States and Israel against terrorist threats.   
   
Pascrell, the Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Science and Technology, is the co-author of legislation designed to establish an office in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) called the Science and Technology Homeland Security International Cooperative Programs Office.  Creation of this new DHS office was inspired by the success of the Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation, and promises to strengthen America's partnership with strategic allies, including Israel.  The bill will authorize activities to share technologies and develop new technological homeland security joint ventures between U.S. agencies, academic centers, companies and their counterparts located in ally nations.    On March 15, 2006, this legislation passed through Pascrell's subcommittee with a unanimous vote, and is expected to be before the full committee shortly.

###