JERSUSALEM/TEL AVIV, Israel – On the final day of Governor Phil Murphy’s first official trip abroad as Governor of New Jersey, he met with Israel’s Prime Minister, visited Israel’s holy sites, held a roundtable discussion with Palestinian business leaders, and finished his day with a meeting of Israeli investors.

Below are summaries and photos from the day’s events:

Governor Murphy Lays Wreath at Yad Vashem

Govenor Murphy today pays his respects by laying a wreath at Yad Vashem, Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust set on the slopes of the Mount of Remembrance on the edge of Jerusalem. It is dedicated to preserving the memory of the dead; honoring Jews who fought against their Nazi oppressors and Gentiles who selflessly aided Jews in need; and researching the phenomenon of the Holocaust in particular and genocide in general, with the aim of avoiding such events in the future.

Governor Murphy Meets with Prime Minister Netanyahu

The Governor and members of his delegation met with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem. The Governor was greeted at the Foreign Ministry by Ambassador Dani Dayan, Consul General of Israel New York, and U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Melech Friedman. He then met with the Prime Minister to discuss Israeli/New Jersey relations.

Governor Plants Tree at Yad Kennedy

Yad Kennedy, located in the Mateh Yehuda Region near Jerusalem, is a memorial to the late U.S. President John F. Kennedy. The 60-foot high memorial is shaped like the stump of a felled tree, symbolizing a life cut short. Governor Murphy planted a tree there today in respect to the 35th President. Governor Murphy is the first governor of New Jersey to do so.

Governor Visits Western Wall

The Western Wall, or “Wailing Wall,” is the most religious site in the world for the Jewish people. Located in the Old City of Jerusalem, it is the western support wall of the Temple Mount. Thousands of people journey to the wall every year to visit and recite prayers. These prayers are either spoken or written down and placed in the cracks of the wall. Governor Murphy placed a handwritten note in the wall. The Governor and the First Lady also participated in a ceremony at the site where they honored the First Lady’s father, Edward Brown Snyder, who passed away last week.

Photo Credit: Western Wall Heritage

Governor Participates in Palestinian Business Roundtable

Governor Murphy and members of his delegation also participated in a roundtable in East Jerusalem with Palestinian business owners, representing the information technology, healthcare, pharmaceutical, construction and tourism industries. The Governor shared his plan for growing innovation in the Garden State and discussed Palestinian capabilities in a number of innovative sectors.

Checkpoint Hosts Governor and Investors at “Invest in New Jersey” Reception

In his final public event in Israel, Governor Murphy attended an “Invest in New Jersey” Reception, hosted by Gil Shwed, Founder and CEO of Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.  Checkpoint is an Israeli multinational provider of software and combined hardware and software products for IT security, including network security, endpoint security, mobile security, data security and security management. Invited to the event were investors interested in hearing more about the new opportunities the Governor recently announced in his economic development plan that will spur venture investment in innovative startups.