Kory and Philip Bardash at the annual White House Chanukah Dinner with President Bush and the First Lady.

RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman Addresses Republicans Abroad Israel Ken Mehlman, Chairman of the RNC meets with Chairman Kory Bardash and Mark Zell at the King David Hotel during a joint RA Israel-Republican Jewish Coalition event. At the end of May, RA Israel hosted Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman on the RJC sponsored trip to Israel, where he visited many of the country's historic sites and met with military leaders, business leaders, and political officials. Mr. Mehlman attended a Republicans Abroad Israel reception at the King David Hotel with Israeli Country Chairmen, Kory Bardash and Mark Zell. Mr. Mehlman addressed a large crowd of Republicans living abroad in Israel about the current U.S. political challenges and opportunities in the upcoming November midterm elections. The RA Israel and the RJC has had the opportunity to bring many Republican lawmakers to Israel to learn more about the issues and policies central to securing peace in Israel and the broader Middle East.

Ken Mehlman, Chairman of the Republican National Committee assists American voters in Israel to register for the 2006 midterm election.

Senate Majority Leader, Dr. William H. Frist meets with Chairman Kory Bardash in May 2005

Prior to the 2004 elections, Senator Norm Coleman of Minnesota and Congressman Jim Gerlach of Pennsylvania's 6th District met with the Chapter of Republicans Abroad (RA) in Israel.

Senator Norm Coleman from Minnesota meeting with Chairman Kory Bardash on His recent trip to Jerusalem

Senator Coleman promoted President Bush's policies; he spoke of the President's deep conviction for fighting terror and his great vision for the democratization of the Middle East in securing the region and protecting the United States. Additionally, Senator Coleman reiterated the President's and the Republican Party's strong defense of Israel in its fight against terrorism. Senator Coleman's efforts showed his and the Bush administration's commitment to overseas voters who played a pivotal role in the 2004 elections.

Congressman Gerlach was the keynote speaker at a dinner hosted by RA-Israel. There he met and spoke with many members of the Chapter, stressing the importance of voter registration and the overseas vote. He ended his discussion by focusing the positive influence of President Bush's policies toward Israel and the Middle East. Debbie Kodish originally from the Congressman's district with many family members still living there, stated "I am pleased that Congressman Gerlach came to Israel and took the time to meet with us. I was impressed. You can be sure my family and friends back home will hear about the visit."

Congressman Jim Gerlach (Pennsylvania's 6th) meeting with members of Republicans Abroad Israel in Jerusalem.

Bardash, commenting on the various trips stated, "We appreciate all the Congressional visits to Israel. I hope this provided an opportunity for them to see what the concerns of Americans living overseas are from a first-hand perspective. Further, their efforts resulted in many Americans registering to vote in the November election."

Future Voters

Registering Voters