LANSING – Governor Whitmer decision to travel to Israel from November 17th to November 23rd, angers Palestinians and Arab Americans in Michigan. The governor will visit Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem to meet with government, business, and nonprofit leaders. Whitmer traveling to Israel while the Israeli army is bombing Gaza indiscriminately,  killing innocent civilians including children in their homes. A trip that surprised, angered a large Arab American community in Michigan and considered this visit as a slap in the face.

“I’m proud to continue the decades long tradition of Michigan governors traveling to Israel to deepen our relationship,” said Governor Whitmer. “Throughout this trip, I’ll have the opportunity to meet with leaders who share my dedication to solidifying Michigan as a leader in mobility, technology, and startups. I look forward to a number of productive conversations on how we can strengthen our ties with our partners overseas and help attract more businesses and jobs to Michigan.” 

In Israel, Governor Whitmer will participate in the Water Technology and Environmental Control Conference and hold meetings with Israeli Minister of Energy Dr. Yuval Steinitz, the team of Start Up Nation Central, Mobileye CEO Prof. Amnon Shashua, and more. The governor will also visit GM’s Advanced Technical Center, Ford Motor Company, the William Davidson Archaeological Park, and the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation.

The governor’s trip is being conducted at the invitation of the Israeli government and hosted by the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit in coordination with the MEDC. 

Arab American community leaders met Monday evening to formulate a response to Whitmer’s insensitive and offensive trip to the apartheid state of Israel.

This is Governor Whitmer’s first international trip as Governor. To view her schedule for the trip, click the link below.