April 16, 2010                                                                                      
Contact: Pete Peterson, (215) 990-8928

 Meehan Prepares to Travel to Israel on Sunday  

Will meet with current, former government officials, learn about challenges facing Israel

DREXEL HILL, PA – Former U.S. Attorney Pat Meehan, a candidate for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 7^th Congressional District, will depart Sunday for a four day visit to Israel, where he will meet with former and current government officials and  learn about the challenges facing our ally, as well as impediments to a peace agreement in the Middle East.

“I look forward to gaining a first hand understanding of the numerous security, political, and social challenges that Israel is facing,” said Pat Meehan.  “There is a long and historic bond between the United State and Israel, with Israel serving as a shining example of democracy in the Middle East.”

“Like many Americans, I was very concerned by the Administration’s public and highly visible rebuke of Israel last month,” said Meehan.  “Israel is a vital ally that deserves our support and better treatment from the United States.  I look forward to gaining a better perspective of the impediments to peace and the steps we can take to strengthen our relationship with Israel.”  

Meehan is tentatively scheduled to meet with former U.N. Ambassador Dore Gold; Gen. Moshe Ya’alon of the Foreign Ministry; former U.S Ambassador Daniel Ayalon of the Foreign Ministry; and Dan Meridor, Deputy Prime Minister of the Foreign Ministry.  Meehan will also visit some of the most holy and sacred religious sites during his visit.  During his travel, Meehan will visit the Via Dolorosa (the path Jesus walked on, carrying his cross, to his crucifixion), the Tunnels, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Church of the Nativity.

Due to plumes over Iceland that are hindering air travel to the United Kingdom, there is a potential that Meehan’s trip may be delayed due to weather conditions.  The plumes are being caused by volcanic activity in Iceland.

About Pat Meehan

A former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the former District Attorney of Delaware County, Pat Meehan has a proven record of rooting out government waste and corruption, prosecuting tough criminal cases, and implementing innovative new programs to make our communities safer.  As U.S. Attorney, Meehan helped coordinate the region’s terrorism preparedness and response, held manufacturers responsible for illegally discharging hazardous materials into the region’s waters, and established a group to crackdown on predatory lending.  Pat, his wife Carolyn and their three sons Patrick, Jack and Colin, reside in Drexel Hill, Delaware County.   For more information, please visit www.meehanforcongress.com.