Governor Stitt Returns from Trip to Israel, Reaffirms Support of the Jewish People

Governor Kevin Stitt returned home today after a joint trip to Israel alongside Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Coordinated in part by the Israeli Consulate in Houston and the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two governors held discussions with Israeli leadership, met with victims of Hamas' brutality, and witnessed first-hand the humanitarian cost of the Israel-Hamas War.

"Innocent Israelis have looked evil in the eyes and endured unthinkable hardships in the past few weeks, and I was inspired to see their resilience in the face of adversity," said Governor Stitt. "After witnessing the situation on the ground, I've never been more determined to stand with Israel and support their right to defend themself."

In Jerusalem, Governor Stitt met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Herzog, and Foreign Minister Cohen to relay Oklahoma's steadfast support of the Jewish people and discuss future partnerships between Israel and Oklahoma as they rebuild in the future.

In Tel Aviv, Governor Stitt visited the Ichilov Sourasky Medical Center to speak with and pray alongside victims and impacted families of Hamas' terrorist attacks.

"In our own nation, antisemitism is on the rise - and we have a responsibility to stick up for our Jewish brothers and sisters, to call out hate when we see it and extinguish it," Governor Stitt added. "Our Jewish allies have a friend in Oklahoma, and we'll continue to pray for their safety here at home, across the nation, and abroad."

The Governor departed Oklahoma on Wednesday afternoon and returned early Friday morning. Governor Stitt becomes the first sitting Oklahoma governor to visit Israel since Brad Henry in 2003.

Photos from the Governor's trip can be found here.