Tel Aviv to Host International Mayor’s Conference

Bringing together dozens of prominent mayors from every corner of the globe, the 28th annual Mayor’s conference – sponsored by the American Council for World Jewry, Israel’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Union of Local Authorities – will take place between May 6-10, 2012.

The conference is a great opportunity for mayors from all over the world to“ see firsthand how Israel has become a leader in defense, security and intelligence products,” said Council Chairman Jack Rosen. “As every mayor knows, these are essential not only for the country as a whole, but for cities and communities that need to invest on behalf of the safety and well-being ”of individuals and families.

The Mayors will meet with Israel’s Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, the Mayors of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa and Nazareth, key Defense Ministry officials and officers and leadership of the national Police Force.

Leaders from business and industry, especially those representing the security and high tech sectors, also will participate in the conference, alongside policy experts and analysts from the academic community. They will be meeting with Israel Prize Laureate Major Gen. (Res.) Prof. Isaac Ben- Israel, Head of Yuval Ne’eman Workshop for Science, Technology and Security at Tel Aviv University and Prof. Aaron J. Ciechanover – 2004 Nobel PRIZE winner Chemistry.

Conference delegates will also visit renowned sites that serve for the purpose of defense and security: such as “Mabat 2000” the security center of the Old City, Jerusalem; emergency center of the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Ben Gurion airport.

Everyone understands this is a wonderful opportunity for the mayors to get“ to know Israel better. But this annual conference has been a success because it helps provide practical solutions for mayors who have real issues to address,” Rosen said. “The focus on cyber security, intelligence and workable strategies to protect cities and towns couldn’t be more timely.

Israel is a small, can-do country that has learned how to be self-reliant,“ innovative and resourceful, and those are exactly the qualities that have brought mayors back to Israel for 28 years. With the agenda we have planned, I believe this year will be our biggest success ever,” Rosen concluded.