The State of a Union
Capitol Hill, Marco Rubio, Kathy Hochul, Operation, Innovation, Rejection, Edan Alexander, Syria Trip: The Weekly Conquest Week of 9.14.25 – 9.20.25
Welcome to the ZioKnight
Week of September 14, 2025
Photos from my Capitol Hill Trip
Despite what some pockets of the media may be saying, the state of the U.S.-Israel relationship is strong! How do I know? Well, thanks to AIPAC, I had the opportunity this week to meet with ten Congressional offices at the forefront of our partnership with Israel while in DC. Pictured above are from my meetings with the offices of the number two House Democrat, Whip Clark, Rep. Auchincloss, Rep. Smith, Rep. Menendez, Rep. Sherrill, and Rep. Amo!
Sunday 9.14
Secretary of State Marco Rubio took a trip to Israel, where he opened an ancient tunnel to the public. Highlighting the closeness of the U.S.-Israel bond, the tunnel was used by ancient pilgrims en route to the temple. [1]
Monday 9.15
The Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, endorsed Zohran Mamdani for mayor of New York City. She said they agreed on the importance of putting a strong figure at the helm of the police department and addressing antisemitism. In a vacuum, this would be pretty good news, but it is dampened by his past call to defund the police and rap song he wrote glorifying terrorism. [2]
Tuesday 9.16
The IDF began its Gaza City operation to clear the enclave of its remaining 2,000-3,000 Hamas terrorists. The campaign may take months. [3]
Wednesday 9.17
Israel was protected on two fronts this past Wednesday. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson met with top pro-Israel GOP leaders to shore up support for the U.S.-Israel relationship amid party infighting.
Israel announced it completed the Iron Beam Missile defense system, which will become operational by the end of the year, and costs less than $5 per zap! The innovation will join the country’s multilayered missile defense apparatus where the surface to air interceptors cost thousands of dollars each. [4][5]
Thursday 9.18
The House Foreign Affairs Committee rejected conditions on aid to Israel in two 45-5 votes. It was reassuring to see that the sentiment I observed in Congress is reflected at crunch time! [6]
Friday 9.19
Former hostage and fellow New Jerseyan, Edan Alexander, said the following at a sold-out Friends of the Israel Defense Forces event:
Next month, God willing, I will return to Israel. I will once again put on the IDF uniform, and I will proudly serve alongside my brothers. My story does not end with survival – it continues with service. [7]
Saturday 9.19
A Times of Israel journalist was part of a two-day tour of the Jewish sites of Syria. My dream trip is one step closer to reality… [8]