TO: RULES AND OPEN FROM: Councilmember Cohen
GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
SUBJECT: SEE BELOW DATE: November 30,2022
Approved Date: November 16, 2022
Request for Travel Authorization for Councilmember Cohen Recommendation: Authorize travel for Councilmember Cohen to Israel from March 17-27, 2023 for the Israel Seminar for Bay Area elected leaders, sponsored by Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and Bay Area Network of Jewish Officials (BANJO).
Location: Various locations in Israel
Meeting Dates: March 17-27, 2023
Source of Funds: Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and personal funds Anticipated Cost: $5,500 JCRC / $2400 personal funds
Purpose:
For over 20 years, JCRC’s Israel Seminar has hosted leading Bay Area elected officials, civic/community leaders, nonprofit directors, and other change makers. The trip has been described as “life-altering” and “deeply moving” by past participants, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Treasurer Fiona Ma, Mayor London Breed, City Attorneys David Chiu and Barbara Parker, Senator Scott Wiener, and 200+ other Bay Area leaders. The Seminar involves a 9-day trip to Israel and the West Bank. Key themes include: 1) engaging with changemakers on social and economic issues relevant to the Bay Area; 2) deepening understanding of Israel’s geopolitical challenges and relationships; 3) exploring different dimensions and viewpoints on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The trip includes a visit to the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) and exploration of Israeli water policy, including desalination. Jewish Community Relations Council is a 501(c)3 organization in good standing with the State of California.
RULES COMMITTEE AGENDA: 11/30/2022
ITEM: B.5