May 19, 2008

Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon was in Israel last week, traveling in a U.S. delegation headed by President George W. Bush that will mark the nation’s 60th anniversary. The trip lasted several days and was paid with private funds. It’s the second time that the mayor has traveled to the Middle East in two months.

In March, Gordon traveled to Dubai to help establish ties that, officials hoped, could lead to a Phoenix-Dubai flight within two years.

“I see this exactly like Dubai,” the mayor said. “It will be not only to explore, but to bring into fruition a number of economic-development opportunities.”

Like Phoenix, Israel is a desert region that is focused on education, sustainability and technology. “In today’s global economy, it’s critically important for cities that want to not only to survive but to prosper in the future, that they establish direct relationships with other global centers,” the mayor said.

While overseas, Gordon planned to strengthen ties with a U.S. solar energy firm that is weighing a move to Phoenix – the company’s research and development arm is in Jerusalem. He also examined light-rail security and was briefed on homeland security.

The mayor, who is Jewish, is one of two local elected officials chosen for the delegation that includes dozens of officials such as former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger; Abraham Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation league; and Professor Elie Wiesel. Hawaii Republican Governor Linda Lingle, a former mayor of Maui, is the other local elected official.

While in the region, Gordon bolstered economic and technology ties with Ramat Gan, Israel, a sister city of Phoenix.