Washington, DC – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement upon returning from Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to Ghana and Israel:

“Hakeem Jeffries’ first CODEL as Democratic Leader was a resounding success, offering our experienced delegation of Members the opportunity to visit sites related to the transatlantic slave trade and hold high-level meetings in Ghana, and commemorate Israel’s 75th anniversary and Yom HaZikaron alongside Israelis in Jerusalem, reaffirming the strong relationship between our nations. 

“In Ghana, we met with Paramount Chief Osabarima Kwesi Atta II after a moving visit to Cape Coast and Elmina slave castles, and had a productive meeting with President Nana Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House. In Israel, we met with President Herzog, Prime Minister Netanyahu, Knesset Speaker Ohana, and Opposition Leader Lapid, where we discussed the Abraham Accords and expressed concern regarding proposed judicial reforms and the dangers of a nuclear-capable Iran. I was honored to participate in a ceremony paying respect to the six million Jewish victims of the Shoah at the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, Yad Vashem, and an Israel Memorial Day ceremony at Latrun. 

“I am grateful to our embassies and hosts for helping facilitate this important travel, which comes at a critical time as the need to cooperate on our shared challenges is more urgent than ever. Thanks to Minority Leader Jeffries, our delegation was able to ask important questions and glean new insights that will inform our work in the United States Congress.” 
 
The Members of the delegation included: