The Institute for Cross Cultural Affairs Israel & Tennessee Political Interaction
David Fitzpatrick in the office of Yuli Edelstein, speaker of the Knesset, discussing the benefits of developing a partnership between Israel and the State of Tennessee. .
Introducing Tennessee Legislators to Holocaust Education.
Introducing Tennessee Legislators to Holocaust Education
Too many states exist without a clearly articulated commitment to the nation of Israel or the Jewish people.
The ICCA is committed to building genuine relational bridges between the State of Tennessee and the nation of Israel and the Jewish People. Our initial efforts have been substantiated by real projects and political interaction.
A. The ICCA sponsored a one day Legislative Tour to Whitwell, Tennessee to the "One Clip at a Time" Train Car Project Museum. While Tennessee's Commissioner of Tourism Kevin Triplett is already champion and advocate for the museum, this tour introduced Tennessee's Senators and State Represntatives to the incredible history and worldwide reputation of their own state's museum.
B. For three consecutive years we have organized our "Day at the Capitol". A day where Israeli, Nashville, and Canadian Teens have the opportunity to hear from Tennessee's Senators, State Representatives and elected officials on the importance of standing with Israel. A real highlight is to then hear these teens have the opportunity to speak themselves on the house floor on why they are committed to Israel. To hear some of their speeches please go to the ICCA Day at the Capitol page.
C. For the past three years the ICCA has fostered friendships and initial discussions between the Children's Holocaust Museum in Whitwell Tennessee and our partner city Shaarey Tikva Israel.
D. The ICCA has initiated and facilitated in Franklin Tennessee mayoral and sister city interactions concerning future partnerships between Shaarey Tikva and Franklin Tennessee.
Through the dedicated efforts of Representative Terri Lynn Weaver, the campers were hosted by the Commissioner of Tourism Kevin Triplett, Secretary of State Tre Hargett, Tennessee State Treasurer David Lillard, COO for the Governor Greg Adams, Senators Janice Bowling and Mae Beavers, Representatives Terri Lynn Weaver, Sheila Butt, Charles Sargent and CUFI representative Lyndon Allen who gathered to address the camp.
A comment by Representative Terri Lynn Weaver 40th district:
"Since 2002 Tennessee has lead the way with numerous pieces of legislation supporting Israel and in 2015 we were the first in the nation to approve an anti - (BDS) Bill condemning the boycott, disinvestment and sanctions movement against Israel and the rising concerns of Anti - Semitism.
What a delight it was to engage with young minds why we support this small nation of Israel which is one of the last democracy’s in the middle east.
The Tennessee General Assembly will continue to strengthen our business and friendship by bridging our communities with Israel. What better way to preserve our relationship then beginning with the leaders of tomorrow.
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Value
Value
"It’s hard to put this experience into words it was like no other and to walk through the museum with a group of Israelis and Americans, to be a representation of unity after proclaiming to be a Christian and to see what I believe in to have had such a huge hand in one of the worst tragedies in history is so incredible and humbling to me.
Everyone I met and bonded with over those ten days have made an impact on my daily life for as long as I live due to their love, acceptance, forgiveness, joy, and more.
This museum is very emotional and the stories I read will always be in my heart like a baby named Richard who was taken away from his mom at two years old while she pleaded for his life over her own and husband’s.
I don’t stand with the Christians that played a role in the Holocaust, it was a very distorted image of God and a false representation of Christians.
I stand with Israel and I truly learned their culture through real connections and history and by not letting the stereotypes or media affect my mind and experience."
- Bailey Kehoe, Nova Scotia, Canada
