The always-solid relationship between New Jersey and Israel has been growing even more steadily in recent years. How much so? The New Jersey-Israel Commission announced this week that it has launched a promotional video that is now available on El Al Airlines.
El Al, Israel’s national airline, operates multiple nonstop flights six days per week between Newark Liberty International Airport and Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport. Passengers on those flight can now watch a video that highlights the special and growing relationship between the state of New Jersey and the state of Israel — while introducing passengers to the Garden State.
New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way, whose oversight includes the New Jersey-Israel Commission and the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism, narrates the video, which showcases many of the state’s tourism attractions as well as the friendship and growing business ties connecting the two regions.
There’s clearly plenty to talk about.
Last year, the New Jersey-Israel Commission reported that the state’s annual bilateral trade with Israel increased by over 16%, to $1.55 billion. And, since 2018, Israeli foreign direct investment quadrupled and led to the creation of over 1,100 new jobs in New Jersey.
These ever-strengthening economic links between New Jersey and Israel, as well as the closeness of the communities, reflect the importance of the Newark-Tel Aviv air route, which has maintained strong demand.
“I applaud this initiative, which symbolizes the special friendship between New Jersey and the people of Israel,” Way said. “As passengers travel on El Al between the United States and Israel, they will be reminded not only of the wonderful possibilities a visit to New Jersey offers them, but the incredible value we place on the enduring partnership we share with Israel.”
Marc Cavaliere, senior vice president for the Americas of El Al Airlines, agreed.
About the N.J.-Israel Commission
The New Jersey-Israel Commission was established in 1989 to implement the goals of the New Jersey-Israel Sister State Agreement and is under the administration of the New Jersey Department of State. The commission promotes the development of trade, culture and educational exchanges; encourages the development of capital investment and joint business ventures; and fosters a spirit of cooperation between the citizens of the state of Israel and the state of New Jersey.
“El Al’s nonstop service between Newark and Tel Aviv is a key and valued route in our global network of operations,” he said. “Today and always, we celebrate the special relationship between New Jersey and Israel as El Al remains dedicated to connecting the people, businesses and ideas between our communities.”
The New Jersey-Israel Commission, through its mandate, focuses on tourism in addition to economic growth from Israel. As these relations develop and expand rapidly, the commission will continue to collaborate with the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism and partners such as El Al, to showcase the state and welcome Israeli travelers, co-Chair Karin Elkis said.
“Thanks to the cooperation with El Al Airlines, we are celebrating yet another milestone in our state’s bilateral relationship as it literally reaches new heights,” she said. “As Israel approaches its 75th anniversary, this video is more important than ever in fulfilling our mission of strengthening New Jersey-Israel relations both on the ground and in the air.”
Mark Levenson, also a co-chair, said the relationship has many winners.
“Economic growth between New Jersey and Israel also includes driving travel and tourism, which is an important industry in our state,” he said. “This partnership reflects our commitment to welcoming Israelis, and all travelers to New Jersey, by embracing them with open arms.”
Andrew Gross, the executive director of the New Jersey-Israel Commission, said the time was right for the added promotion.
“With the launch of this new video, New Jersey and Israel have never felt closer despite the distance between them,” he said. “As our economies and communities become ever more connected, New Jersey will always remain an inviting and attractive destination for our friends in Israel through innovative outreach and an extended hand.”
