Prior to the commendation received in the House of Representatives and recognition in the Senate, a significantly large number of State Senate and House members gathered in the State House Rotunda for a joint press briefing. Hosted by Attorney General Alan Wilson, this briefing boasted a notable bipartisan cast with Representatives Alan Clemmons (R-107), Bakari Sellers (D-90), and State Senator Joel Lourie (D-22) all giving remarks on the special relationship between the US and Israel. Also present at the event were federal Congressmen Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Mick Mulvaney (R-SC). Later on, the Consul General was warmly received by the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate for a more personal discussion on the relationship between the state of South Carolina and Israel.

 

Attorney General Alan Wilson also initiated meetings with prominent community and business leaders, such as the SC Baptist Convention, the head of the Manufacturers Association and President Pastides of USC. Many of these prominent business leaders work closely with the American-Israel Chamber of Commerce (AICCSE) to increase bilateral economic development and research partnerships between the state of Israel and South Carolina’s universities, which are an active part of the South Carolina-Israel Collaboration. Consul General Aviran expressed his gratitude to these noted leaders among the community and further encouraged them to deepen their already strong ties to Israel.