For the first time in nearly a decade, the Israeli government’s United States Consulate last week sent national officials to the Mount Rushmore State to discuss ongoing tension in the Middle East and voice appreciation for the state’s support.

Yinam Cohen, consul general of Israel to the Midwest, during a stop at Mount Zion Temple in Sioux Falls on Aug. 22,  told state lawmakers and community faith leaders that despite increasing political instability across the globe, Israel’s standing in the Middle East is becoming stronger as more international partnerships are formed.