IIACF Hosts 2009 Independence Gala Event - Washington, DC
On May 3-4, the IIACF hosted the 2009 Independence Gala event in Washington, DC. This event, celebrating Israel's Independence Day, marked the 2nd conference the IIACF has held in Washington, DC. Speakers included Gabriela Shalev, Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Congressional Israel Allies Caucus Co-Chairs, Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) and Rep. Elliot Engel (D-NY), IIACF Chairman and former MK Benny Elon, MK David Rotem, Chairman of the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus, Susan Michael, US Director of the ICEJ, and Michael Little, CEO of Christian Broadcasting Network.
The Independence Gala event and conference highlighted the work the IIACF is doing in establishing, coordinating and resourcing Israel Allies Caucuses in governments around the globe. These caucuses are being developed to provide parliamentarians around the world with the platform to influence actions their home governments are taking in regards to Israel as well as provide a much need voice of support for Israel in a coordinated way on an international governmental level.
The Gala event was a successful key step for the IIACF in building new partnerships and relationships with leaders and organizations in the foundation’s work to interact these leaders with the parliamentarians in IIACF caucuses.
Key issues such as UNRWA were discussed in symposiums held on the second day of the event to highlight areas the IIACF is focused on in the coming year.
In the wake of the event the IIACF has stepped up development of new caucuses in several nations across the globe.