Visited Israel for Museum of Tolerance

On 02/05/2004, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger visited Jerusalem to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Center for Human Dignity, also known as the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem. The event marked his first official international trip since taking office in November 2003. The project, led by the Simon Wiesenthal Center and designed by architect Frank Gehry, was announced as a $200 million development intended to promote education on human rights, tolerance, and the history of discrimination. Schwarzenegger served as a guest speaker at the ceremony, where he referenced his Austrian upbringing and spoke about combating prejudice and intolerance. During his remarks, he expressed support for the mission of the museum and concluded with the phrase “Am Yisrael chai,” followed by his well known line, “I’ll be back.” The Simon Wiesenthal Center had longstanding ties with Schwarzenegger, who had supported its educational and commemorative initiatives prior to becoming governor. During the visit, Schwarzenegger held meetings with senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, President Moshe Katsav, and Vice Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. The trip also included economic discussions aimed at strengthening business ties between California and Israeli technology and security firms. Agreements were announced with five Israeli companies, including SANRAD and Magal Security Systems, with projections that the deals could generate approximately 800 jobs in California. Schwarzenegger also visited Yad Vashem, Israel’s official Holocaust memorial, where he toured the site and lit the Eternal Flame in the Hall of Remembrance. The visit formed part of the broader diplomatic and commemorative schedule surrounding his trip. After his time in Israel, Schwarzenegger made an unannounced stop in Jordan to meet King Abdullah II, before continuing to Germany to visit wounded United States troops receiving medical treatment. The trip combined ceremonial, diplomatic, and economic components, reflecting Schwarzenegger’s early efforts as governor to engage in international outreach while promoting California business interests and longstanding educational initiatives tied to tolerance and Holocaust remembrance.