The New Jersey-Israel Commission celebrated 75 years of the State of Israel and United States-Israel relations in a historic ceremony in the State House in Trenton.

Remarks were delivered by the leadership of the Commission in addition to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Israeli Acting Consul General Israel Nitzan, Assemblyman Gary Schaer, and Secretary of State Tahesha Way, who administers the New Jersey-Israel Commission.

The event was attended by Jewish community leaders and dignitaries from across the state, many of whom discussed the importance of the key relationship between the two states.

Since the start of the Murphy Administration, New Jersey’s relationship with Israel has expanded rapidly including strong economic growth, cultural programs, academic relations, tourism outreach and beyond.

“For three-quarters of a century, our two nations have flourished together under our unwavering partnership. Nowhere is that more apparent than in New Jersey, the proud home of one of the country’s largest Jewish and Israeli populations,” Governor Murphy, who visited Israel four times as governor, said at the event.

“With the help of the New Jersey-Israel Commission, our relationship has grown significantly in recent years on every front – economically, culturally, academically, and beyond. Together, we are building the future, and I look forward to strengthening our bonds with Israel for generations to come.”

The ceremony, which took place inside the Capitol Rotunda, paid tribute to the special and historic relationship between Israel and the United States, highlighting the State of New Jersey relationship, which spans across economic, academic, cultural, scientific, and a wide range of other relations.

During the program, which featured a New Jersey State Police Color Guard presentation and the singing of Israel’s national anthem, a plaque on behalf of the State of New Jersey was presented to the Acting Consul General to commemorate the occasion.