The Political Affairs Department serves as the liaison between the Consulate and all local, state, and federal government offices in Florida, Kansas, Missouri and Puerto Rico.

Since Israel is such a close ally of the United States, the maintenance and development of positive working relationships with elected officials at all levels of government is a key component of our diplomatic mission. We effectively communicate the Israeli government’s official policy while also acting as a resource for elected officials and their staff.

Kennedy Starnes graduated from New York University with her Master’s in Public Administration, where she concentrated on international policy and strategic development. Before completing her graduate studies, Kennedy attended Florida International University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and studied abroad at Hong Kong University in Hong Kong. She is a City Year AmeriCorps alumnus who served at Miami Central Senior High School. She is a Florida native and is very passionate about cultivating mutually beneficial relationships between local communities and those in Israel.

political@miami.mfa.gov.il

305-925-9453​