Israel’s ambassador to U.S. visits Indiana – Indianapolis News | Indiana Weather | Indiana Traffic

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Israel’s ambassador to the United States told News 8 the country is safe for Americans to visit despite ongoing travel advisories.

Ambassador Michael Leiter spent two days in Indiana meeting with members of Indiana’s Jewish community and with Gov. Mike Braun and State Treasurer Daniel Elliott. He also visited News 8 for a one-on-one interview for All INdiana Politics. Leiter said in his meetings, people said they are concerned but also committed to supporting Israel.

“I think people are very proud of the fact that, together with the United States, we degraded the Iranian threat, not only to the region but also to the world,” he said.

U.S. Department of Commerce data show Israel ranked 27th among Indiana’s international trading partners last year, with the Hoosier state sending a total of $219 million worth of goods to the country, out of a total of more than $60 billion in exports to the entire world. Chemicals were by far Indiana’s top export, at $142 million. Electronics and transportation equipment were also significant categories. In return, Indiana took in $149 million in Israeli goods. Chemicals topped the imports list as well, along with electronics and transportation equipment.

Elliott told News 8 he’s heard from Israeli tech companies that want to expand in Indiana. He said Israel’s small size means there is limited space for economic development. Indiana currently holds $115 million in Israeli bonds, an 84% increase since Elliott took office, per his team. He said besides being a safe investment, buying Israeli bonds was simply the right thing to do in order to support an ally.

Asked why it was important for him to meet with Leiter, Elliott replied, “To be able to show our support. I’ve traveled all over the state of Indiana and the vast majority of Hoosiers are extremely supportive of Israel. And also to show that we have good partnerships and that those partnerships will continue to grow as we all put effort into it.”

Due to the ongoing threat of terrorism and civil unrest, Israel remains under a level 3 travel advisory from the State Department, meaning people considering traveling there should reconsider. Asked whether Israel is safe for Americans to visit, Leiter replied it’s not only safe but also a life-transforming experience.

“The amazing thing about the people of Indiana, when they come to Israel, they don’t need to buy a tour book,” he said. “They just need to take their Bible with them.”

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