Governor Ned Lamont is on the road – making stops at Jewish venues throughout Connecticut to report on his recent economic development mission to Israel – the first official mission to Israel by a U.S. state in two years. First stop: Beth El Temple in West Hartford, where he met with members of the Jewish community on Thursday, March 24.

Joining the Governor for his roundtable discussion – dubbed “Connecticut’s Strengthened Relationship with Israel” – were three representatives from Connecticut’s public and private sector who had also accompanied the Governor on his trip to the Jewish state: Michael Bloom, executive director of the Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut (JFACT), who acted as roundtable moderator; UConn Interim President Radenka Maric; and Mike Cantor, chair of CT Innovations, the state’s venture capital arm that works with growing, innovative companies throughout Connecticut.

Also attending the event at Beth El was Meron Rueben, the Consul General of Israel to New England. Ambassador Reuben was on hand in Israel during the Connecticut delegation’s mission and accompanied Gov. Lamont to the Western Wall.

“They rolled out the red carpet for Connecticut,” said Gov. Lamont. “It was such an enthusiastic mission. Israel is the most entrepreneurial company on Earth; more startups [than anywhere else]. They’re trying to get relationships with states like ours. That’s why we were there.”

Main Photo: Joining Governor Lamont (2nd from left) in the roundtable discussion were, from left, JFACT Executive Director Michael Bloom;  UConn Interim President Radenka Maric; and CT Innovations Chair Mike Cantor.