On July 28th, 2007, Cleveland City Council welcomed delegates from the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) Political Studies Tour of the United States.  The seven delegates, who were rising and established political leaders from Israel, attended a luncheon with Ohio State Representative Timothy DeGeeter, Members of Cleveland City Council and leaders of northeastern Ohio’s Arab and Jewish communities. 

ACYPL Alumni Councilman Robert J. White, III and Clerk of Council Emily Lipovan hosted the luncheon.  Council Members Phyllis Cleveland, Sabra Pierce Scott, Michael D. Polensek, Joe Santiago, Kevin J. Kelley and Martin J. Keane were also in attendance to welcome the delegation and share their experience. 

Cleveland was one of the stops of the ACYPL eleven day tour of Washington DC, Ohio and Georgia where delegates had the opportunity to engage in dialogue with local political leaders and gain a new perspective into American culture.  In conjunction with the mission of the program, delegates were exposed to the American political system at the national, state and local levels and were able to develop professional relationships with their American counterparts.  In addition to the luncheon which was held at City Hall, the delegates toured the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. 

“The group of people gathered here today are leaders that will shape the future,” said Councilman White.  “It is an honor to be a part of this group of individuals.”  

Council President Martin J. Sweeney, also an ACYPL alumnus, had the honor to be selected as an escort for The American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) that traveled to Argentina and Uruguay during the first two weeks in June.  

The American Council of Young Political Leaders is a bi-partisan, not for profit international exchange organization based in Washington, DC.  The ACYPL has conducted programs and exchanges with more than 90 nations, producing a global network of several thousand alumni. For more information on ACYPL, visit www.acypl.org. 

American Council of Young Political Leaders - Delegates:
• Ms. Keren Barak (Kadima Party) - Owner and CEO, Contacti Strategic Consultation and Government Relations Company
• Ms. Nily Charush (Labor Party) - Senior Political Adviser, Mr. Eitan Cabel, Member of the Israeli Knesset
• Mr. Dror Lalush (Labor Party) - Deputy Mayor, City of Tiberias
• Mr. Gil Messing (Kadima Party) - Deputy Spokesperson, Kadima Party
• Mr. Alon Rozen (Labor Party) - Member, Yavne City Council
• Ms. Adi Shay (Meretz - Yachad Party) - Political/Legal Consultant, Mr. Avshalom Vilan, Member of the Israeli Knesset
• Ms. Klarina Shpitz (Pensioners Party) - Parliamentary Aide, Mr. Yitzhak Ziv, Deputy Knesset Speaker