Meng Selected For Escort Committee To Escort Israeli President Herzog Into House Chamber

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) brought two New York City Jewish community leaders to Washington, D.C. for the historic address that Israeli President Isaac Herzog delivered to a joint session of Congress.

Meng’s guests were the CEO of the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty (Met Council) David Greenfield, who previously served as a member of the New York City Council, and Jason Koppel, Political Director for the Northeast Region at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). 

Meng also escorted President Herzog into the House chamber for his speech. She was part of a small group of lawmakers who were selected to accompany the President as part of the prestigious escort committee, where she accompanied President Herzog toward the podium as he prepared to deliver his remarks to members of the House and Senate.

“As a strong supporter of the U.S.-Israel relationship, I was honored to have been selected to escort President Herzog into the House chamber to give his joint address to Congress,” said Meng. “Today’s speech demonstrated that bipartisan support for the U.S.-Israel relationship remains strong. I am proud to represent such a vibrant Jewish community in Queens that for generations has contributed to the success of our city and borough. The U.S and Israel share a special bond rooted in shared values. I thank President Herzog for coming to Congress, and I look forward to continuing to work with him on the many interests and areas of cooperation that our democracies share.”

“Rep. Grace Meng has been a life-long supporter of Israel, and I am truly grateful for her invitation to see Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s joint address and her leadership fighting antisemitism nationally,” said Greenfield. “The United States and Israel have an unbreakable relationship and that’s because we have elected officials like Rep. Meng who work hard to ensure our enduring friendship and relationship remains strong.”

“We appreciate that Congresswoman Meng – who is a champion of a strong US-Israel relationship – will be participating in this important event which will reflect the unbreakable bond between these two democracies,” said Marshall Wittmann, spokesperson for AIPAC.

Meng was selected for the escort committee – which consisted of Democrat and Republican representatives and senators – by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).

Herzog was sworn into office in July of 2021, and became the first son of a former Israeli president to also become president.