“USIEA has been working on the Israeli-Palestinian Integrated Business Strategy since our 2017 bipartisan Congressional tour to the West Bank and Israel,” stated Heather Johnston, USIEA Founder and CEO. “Most recently, our focus has been dedicated to educating Congress on the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act introduced in 2020, which increases funding for this effort.”

 

“This latest advance promotes Congressional intent to support a strategic initiative that will serve as a portal to mutual prosperity by opening doors to economic collaboration between Israelis and Palestinians through joint business opportunities in the West Bank,” continued Johnston. 

 

The Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act establishes a fund that can be dispersed through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and authorizes up to $250 million over five years, starting with $50 million in FY21 funding. A critical priority for USIEA is for Congress to direct funding toward the areas of greatest impact inside of the West Bank. This includes but is not limited to integrated businesses between Israelis and Palestinians in Israeli controlled territories.

 

About USIEA

U.S. Israel Education Association (USIEA) advances important dialogue and cooperation between bipartisan senior government leaders in the United States and Israel by filling existing information gaps and enhancing understanding of issues critical to a mutually beneficial partnership. Founded in 2011, USIEA empowers U.S. leaders with innovative initiatives on the path to Middle East peace, connects Members of Congress with direct access to West Bank visits, and educates as thought leaders in the media and through strategic global partnerships. To learn more about USIEA’s work, visit usieducation.org.

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