Tel Aviv, Israel – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis participated in several business meetings and historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremonies during his business development mission to Israel. These MOU’s between Florida and Israel universities will continue to develop Florida’s strong relationship with Israel and create opportunities for Florida businesses, students and academic researchers.

“We had a great first full day in Tel Aviv where we were able to meet with leading Israeli businesses and secure historic memorandums of understanding across a wide range of educational, industrial and commercial areas,” said Governor DeSantis. “The agreements forged today will go a long way in strengthening Florida’s relationship with Israel and will serve Floridians and Israelis for years to come.”

Below is an overview of Monday’s events of the Governor’s Business Development Mission to Israel:

• Governor DeSantis met with the following:
  • Yuval Rotem, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Rafael, a military and defense technologies development firm
  • Cellebrite, a digital intelligence platform developer
  • Israel Discount Bank, a financial services firm with commercial services as well as private domestic and international banking
  • Nobactra, an agricultural research firm specializing in plant disease solutions, including citrus greening
  • Gonen Usishkin, CEO of El Al Airlines
• Governor DeSantis received the Honorary Fellowship Award from Ariel University
• Governor DeSantis participated in an MOU signing between Florida Atlantic University and Ariel University
  • The two universities will develop exchange opportunities for scholars and students alike, and explore co-operative research opportunities.
• Governor DeSantis participated in an MOU signing between Space Florida and the Israel Space Agency
  • The two agencies will work together to support mutual goals related to space exploration and commercialization, scientific research and innovation, and STEM-related objectives.
• Governor DeSantis participated in an MOU signing between Florida Atlantic University and Haifa University
  • The two universities will collaborate on research focusing on the fields of marine science and engineering, invasive species and harmful blooms and other opportunities.
• Governor DeSantis participated in an MOU signing between the University of North Florida and Haifa University
  • This will be an academic collaboration including cooperation in education and research, exchange of scholars, and seeking opportunities for joint research projects.
• Governor DeSantis participated in an MOU signing between Florida A&M University and Haifa University
  • This agreement will formalize and expand academic cooperation between the universities and provide additional learning opportunities abroad for FAMU students.
• Governor DeSantis participated in an MOU signing between Miami Dade College and Haifa University
  • The two institutions will seek ways to engage in exchange of scholars, joint research projects, joint teaching and/or supervision of students, as well as study abroad programs, student mobility and prospective exchange of students.
• Governor DeSantis and Israel Minister of Tourism Yariv Gideon Levin signed an MOU to support the research, development and implementation of projects to increase bilateral tourism between Florida and Israel

Governor DeSantis will continue his business development mission to Israel tomorrow when he meets with the Israel Innovation Authority and other Israeli companies and business leaders, holds a roundtable discussion on issues impacting Florida and attends an evening reception hosted by the U.S. Ambassador to Israel.

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