The two met at a dedication ceremony of the Ohio booth at the International Agriculture Exhibition, which took place this month in Tel Aviv.

The US Ambassador to Israel, James B. Cunningham, received an explanation about the activities of the Negev Association which has been assisting Ramat Hanegev for many years, contributing substantial funds to the region's development, particularly to Ramat Hanegev's center for the study of brackish water. The crown of the association's efforts has been assisting and raising resources to build the research center in Ramat Hanegev which was inaugurated in January of 2008. The founder and director of the Negev Association is Mr. Sam Hoenig, a close friend of Ramat Hanegev, in particular, and of the Negev, in general.

The ambassador was deeply impressed by the things he heard and by the regional products he tasted, and promised to come for a visit in Ramat Hanegev.