Rep. Blackmon reflects on recent tour of Israel

HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — State Representative Shaw Blackmon and multiple state leaders had a chance to travel to the Promised Land in May, bringing back perspective, partnership insights and inspiration along the way. Part of nearly two dozen delegates, Blackmon, Governor Brian Kemp, House Speaker Jon Burns and Senate Leader John Kennedy made an economic development focused trip to Israel.

The group had the opportunity to visit multiple businesses that operate in Georgia, meet with senior officials, collaborate with potential partners stateside and experience the nation’s culture.

Blackmon was invited by Burns, and considered his invitation an honor.

“[I was] certainly flattered and honored to be considered to be a part of that trip. That was a chance of a lifetime and I just hope I can make it work for Georgia, particularly middle Georgia,” Blackmon said.

According to Blackmon, a key mission was to foster strong relationships between the state and the nation of Israel. The delegation had the opportunity to tour military and cyber defense sites and during the trip, Blackmon saw similarities between Israel and Georgia, particularly in fields like agriculture, technology and defense.

Blackmon said he wanted to bring concepts learned about these fields during the trip back to the region and use it to bolster economic development.

“I just really looked at the opportunities there and what that could mean, specifically to middle Georgia and Robins Air Force Base,” Blackmon said. “We can foster the kind of workforce that’s going to be needed for decades to come.”

Another perspective gained tied back to a recent house bill passed combating anti-Semitism, through a visit to the Holocaust Museum.

“That was an extremely moving experience and I think there’s still a concern in Israel that those things are forgotten. It’s important for us as Americans, as world citizens to remember the horrors of that tragedy,” Blackmon said.

Blackmon visited the country from May 16 through May 26 and during the stay did not feel unsafe. In fact immersing in a new culture, exploring his faith and visiting various cultural sites was a thrilling experience.

“It was a wow moment.” Blackmon said. “Albeit a sidebar, it was certainly a ‘wow.’”

HHJ News