Weekly Town Hall
Wednesdays, 6:30–8:30pm
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Weekly Town Hall – Representative Barbara Ehardt will discuss her trip to Israel to attend the “50 States, One Israel” event
October 29, 2025 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
In mid-September 2025, nearly 250 state legislators from all 50 US states (including Idaho’s local Representative Barbara Ehardt), traveled to Israel for an event called “50 States, One Israel“. The event was described by the Israeli government as the largest-ever bipartisan delegation of American state lawmakers to visit the country. The conference was fully funded and organized by the Israeli Foreign Ministry and aimed at strengthening ties between US states and Israel while urging legislative support for pro-Israel policies, including anti-BDS laws.
Attendees met with prominent Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, visited Jerusalem’s historic sites, and toured communities affected by the October 7 attacks. The delegation planted 50 trees as a symbol of “love for the land and the profound connection” between the two nations.
The entire cost of the trip—including airfare from the US to Israel, local transportation, accommodations, meals, and guided programming—was paid for by the Israeli government through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Invitations to state legislators were extended with full coverage of travel and lodging expenses. No US state or federal funds were used for the legislators’ participation.
There has been quite a bit of criticism about the event, including it being called the “United States of Israel“.
Why is Israel lobbying state legislators? What do they hope to gain? Come ask Barbara the hard questions.
As always, attendance to our Town Halls is free but donations are greatly appreciated.
Snake River Event Center (Shilo Inn), 780 Lindsay Blvd., Idaho Falls
6:30pm (Doors open at 5:30pm)
We start promptly at 6:30