INDIANAPOLIS--You may not realize it, but your state has its own relationship with Israel. Consul General Aviv Ezra was in Indiana Tuesday to help build that relationship further. He's the highest-ranking Israeli official in the Midwest, and met with Gov. Holcomb, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and members of the Indiana congressional delegation.

"We are the Israeli embassy to the Midwest," said Ezra. "Part of our goal is to reach out and bring Israel's priorities here to the Midwest." Ezra's office is in Chicago and he covers nine states.

Not Just Business

He said the relationship is based on both business needs and shared values. Ezra said his meting with Holcomb was about both.

"Superb meeting. The governor is one of Israel's best friends, supportive of the enhancement of the relationship. In terms of shared values we are very honored to have the support of the State of Indiana, with this governor and with his predecessors. The values are synced 100 percent," said Ezra.

But, he believes that both Indiana and Israel can work together to make business happen for both.

"We feel there's a lot of things that can be done and one of my jobs is to brand Israel here, but also to brand Indiana in Israel."

Ezra said there are already 30 Israeli companies in Indiana. He said they are always looking for ways to increase the relationship. He said there have been much development in his country and he believes Indiana has much in common with Israel, with its technology-based business environment.

Not Just Conflicts

"Israel today, unfortunately, is always defined by the prism of the conflict. But, today Israel is totally not just about the conflict. It's about high-tech, bio-tech, telecommunications, cybertechnology and neurotechnology, neuroscience and nanotechnology and for us, this is something that we want to find the right combination with our friends here in the United States, specifically on the level of the states, to create that win-win environment," said Ezra.

And, what about you? Ezra said they'd like to have you as a guest.

"We want to bring as many people as possible from Israel here to learn and to map what the possibilities are. And on the other hand we want to have as many visits as possible from Indiana to Israel."

Ezra said he extended an official invitation for the governor to visit Israel, with a business delegation.

PHOTO: Consul General Aviv Ezra by Chris Davis/Emmis

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