Charlie Crist to travel to Israel as part of congressional delegation

Rep. Charlie Crist is headed to Israel.

Crist is part of a congressional delegation traveling to Israel from Aug. 1 through Aug. 9, his office said Friday. Crist and other members of the House are expected to get a firsthand look at the regional challenges and learn more about the nation’s strategic relationship with Israel during the trip.

The weeklong trip is sponsored by the American Israel Education Foundation, a charitable organization affiliated with AIPAC. The foundation, according to Crist’s office, works to inform the public about Israel, the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship, and other issues impacting the Middle East.

Crist, a St. Petersburg Democrat, and other House members are expected to have a schedule filled with meetings with key Israeli and Palestinian leaders, including government officials, Knesset members, military leaders, defense experts, journalists and entrepreneurs.

The delegation is also expected to visit several key strategic sites, including defense and technology projects; the Gaza, Syrian, and Lebanon borders; the Golan Heights; Jewish, Christian and Islamic Holy sites; and the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial and Museum.