“This is a wonderful program and an outstanding opportunity for all parties involved,” said Senator Cappiello. “Programs like these extend well beyond government. They give people the chance to gain first-hand knowledge of other cultures, traditions, and beliefs. It’s truly an invaluable experience.”

Senator Cappiello is quite familiar with the vast opportunities for travel and learning that the ACYPL provides. He is an ACYPL alumnus himself, having traveled to both Egypt and Israel in 1998 and then to Nicaragua and El Salvador in 2000.

The head of the seven-person delegation from the Palestinian Territories is Walid Wahdan, the Director of Local Committees at the Palestinian Ministry of Local Government. Wahdan is responsible for the control and follow-up of activities at the local committees in the West Bank. Senator Cappiello will accompany Mr. Wahdan along with the six other delegates, 3 interpreters from the State Department, and Ken Insley, the ACYPL Senior Program Officer, to meetings and events in both Hartford and Danbury during the visit.

ACYPL was founded in 1966 and conducts bipartisan international exchanges, enabling emerging leaders to experience firsthand the political and cultural dynamics of other countries. Since its founding, more than 6000 young leaders from over 90 countries have participated in ACYPL exchanges.

On Monday, Senator Cappiello and the delegates will be at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford and available to speak with the media.