State representative Bill Bernau, an Ames Democrat, is one of eight American political leaders selected as part of a delegation to Israel in May.

Bernau was selected by the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) to meet with government and political leaders to better understand current issues facing Israel, such as problems it is facing within the Middle East and its relations with the United States. The trip will be from May 3 to 17.

“I am very honored to be included in this delegation,” Bernau said in a prepared statement. “It is always a valuable experience to meet and learn from your counterparts in other countries.”

Bernau said his time there will be exciting because it is during the time of the country’s national elections and during a time of renewed efforts for peace with its neighbors.

The program is arranged by the Israeli Public Council of Young Adults, ACYPL’s counterpart in Israel. Bernau is the only Iowan in the delegation. Previous participants from Iowa include Secretary of State Paul Pate, State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald, Speaker of the House Ron Corbett and State Representatives Bill Brand, Steve Churchill and Chris Rants.

State tax dollars will not be used to pay for the trip.