A delegation of 20 state senators and representatives from across the United States toured Samaria as guests of Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan, against the backdrop of threats by Ireland and Spain to impose sanctions on Israelis in Judea and Samaria.
During the visit, members of the delegation announced that they would work in their respective states to advance legislation targeting entities that boycott residents of the region.
Under the initiative, companies and organizations that boycott residents of Judea and Samaria or refuse to conduct business with them because of where they live would face countermeasures and sanctions in U.S. states where the legislation is advanced.
The delegation was welcomed by Yisrael Rappaport of the Nof Avi Farm, who presented the lawmakers with an overview of Jewish communities in Samaria and the situation on the ground.
The delegation was led by Jason Rapert, founder and president of NACL, the National Association of Christian Lawmakers, which maintains ties with the head of the Samaria Regional Council. The delegation included elected officials from Alaska, Georgia, Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Montana, Minnesota, Alabama and Missouri.
Rapert presented the campaign against boycotts as the next stage in the organization’s activities.
“Just as we are winning the first battle, of recognizing Judea and Samaria, we are going to win the second battle - stopping the economic war against Israel, and especially against Judea and Samaria. We are with you, and together, with God’s help, we are going to win. We will win," he said.
He called on lawmakers to use their political and public influence to advance the fight against boycotts and exert pressure on those seeking to harm Israel and its residents through economic measures.
Mississippi State Senator Kathy Chism pledged to take the proposed legislation back with her and attempt to advance it in her state.
“I plan to take the legislation back to Mississippi and try to pass something that will help Israel, because they should not be putting these sanctions on them. I support Israel 100%," she said.
Alabama State Representative Mark Gidley noted that his state had previously adopted legislation targeting those who impose sanctions on Israel.
“I want to encourage every state to do the same thing. I even encourage us to do it at the national level, because Israel is a partner. Israel is our ally in the Middle East," he said.
Arkansas State Representative Hope Duke also expressed support for the initiative.
“When you have other countries that are sanctioning Israel, we need to do our part. We’ve done things in Arkansas, and we need to continue to do things, and hopefully other states will follow suit in sanctioning companies that refuse to do business with Israel, because Israel is our greatest partner in the Middle East," she said.
The current initiative joins NACL’s efforts to advance recognition of Judea and Samaria among U.S. lawmakers. Tennessee has already passed legislation requiring official state documents to use the term “Judea and Samaria" instead of the “West Bank," while a resolution on the issue has also passed in Arizona.
Legislative efforts on the issue are at advanced stages in West Virginia and Florida, while bills have already been formally introduced in Alabama, Florida, Oklahoma and Georgia. The efforts are part of a campaign by NACL and other organizations of lawmakers to promote recognition of Judea and Samaria and translate that support into legislative and policy measures.
Dagan thanked the lawmakers for advancing the initiative against sanctions.
“What you are doing together is like a shofar - a powerful voice for the world. What is happening here in Judea and Samaria is part of history and the Bible, and it is relevant to the entire world. Day after day, you are voting on the right side of history, and I am certain that, with God’s help, we will win," he said.