A resolution introduced in the Missouri Senate on Feb. 17 recognizes the relationship between Israel and both the United States and Missouri. Senate Resolution 156 commends Israel as a friend and ally of the U.S. and acknowledges the close ties Missouri has with the state of Israel.

The next step for the resolution is a hearing before the senate joint rules, resolutions and ethics committee, which will be scheduled in the next few weeks. Rachel Bray, communications and engagement coordinator at the Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis, will testify in support of the resolution. She plans to provide the committee with insight into JCRC’s official position on Israel.

“For me, it’s about sharing the message that Judaism doesn’t look the same for everyone,” Bray said. “A lot of things differ in the Jewish community, but we have ties to Israel and are overall supportive of anything that brings awareness to Israel.”

SR 156 is similar in language to a resolution introduced in 2024 in the Missouri House of Representatives by former speaker of the house Dean Plocher. That resolution, HCR30, drew broad support from the Jewish community at a hearing before the house special committee on public policy. The resolution was passed by three committees but did not reach the house floor before the end of the session.

The purpose of a resolution is a demonstration of support, unlike a bill, which becomes a law when successfully passed by the legislature and signed by the governor. SR 156 was introduced by Senator Jill Carter (R-Jasper and Newton). Carter’s senate district is in the southwest corner of the state and includes Joplin.

“A friend asked me to file this resolution,” Carter said. “I haven’t been to Israel, but the ties between Missouri and Israel are real—forged by companies like Amdocs, Eagle Picher, and Sigma-Aldrich. These partnerships drive economic growth, innovation, and collaboration. They’re delivering results now and promise more ahead.”

Eagle Picher is a Joplin-based manufacturer of commercial batteries used in missile guidance systems. Carter, who also serves as the Missouri senate majority caucus whip, said the company’s products align with Israel’s advanced defenses and is an economic driver for the state of Missouri. She also pointed to Sigma-Aldrich and Amdocs, two Missouri-based companies with close ties to Israel.

“The resolution aims to deepen these bonds,” Carter said. “It’s about trade, investment, and innovation—positioning Missouri in telecom, aerospace, and life sciences while giving Israel access to our workforce and markets. The upside is clear: growth for our economy, opportunities for our people.”