Proponent Testimony on HB 188 — Pastor Juan Rivera, Ohio House Development Committee

Summary

Proponent testimony on HB 188, the Ohio Israel Trade & Innovation Partnership, from Pastor Juan Rivera of Victory Church to the Ohio House of Representatives Development Committee, dated May 7, 2025. The testimony states support for House Bill 188 from a faith perspective and as a citizen rather than in any official capacity. It says the bill builds partnerships in medicine, water technology, aerospace, and agriculture, and states that the Youngstown Business Incubator has already seen the fruit of partnerships with Israeli firms in advanced manufacturing and medical devices. It also says the legislation provides a way for the state to stand against the rise of antisemitism.

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                       Proponent Testimony | HB 188
                 Ohio Israel Trade & Innovation Partnership


                                 Pastor Juan Rivera
                            Victory Church, Coitsville, OH
               Ohio House of Representatives | Development Committee
                             May 7, 2025 | Columbus, OH



Chairman Hoops, Vice Chair Lorenz, Ranking Member Abdullahi, and members of the
committee:

Thank you for the opportunity to speak today in support of House Bill 188.

My name is Pastor Juan Rivera. I serve a growing and diverse congregation in Northeast
Ohio and also sit on the Ohio Commission on Hispanic and Latino Affairs. But today, I come
before you not in any official capacity, but as a concerned and hopeful citizen, and as a
Christian pastor who deeply values the partnership between Ohio and the State of Israel.

At a time when our world feels increasingly divided, this legislation offers something rare: a
bold and constructive step toward unity, progress, and mutual prosperity. HB 188 is not just
an economic bill—it is a statement of values. It says that Ohio is a state that honors
innovation, strengthens international alliances, and seeks the welfare of all its people.

From a faith perspective, I believe in the biblical call to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem”
(Psalm 122:6). That prayer is not merely spiritual—it has practical application. Peace is
built through partnership. And this bill builds those bridges: in medicine, in water
technology, in aerospace, and in agriculture.

This partnership can create jobs for our communities, open doors for Ohio-based
entrepreneurs, and provide meaningful opportunities for collaboration with one of the most
innovative nations on earth. Our own Youngstown Business Incubator has already seen the
fruit of partnerships with Israeli firms in advanced manufacturing and medical devices. It’s
working—and HB 188 allows us to scale that success across the state.

Moreover, this legislation provides a tangible way for our state to stand against the rise of
antisemitism, not just in word but in deed. By investing in mutual progress, we affirm our
solidarity with Israel and our commitment to a future built on cooperation, not division.

I urge you to move this bill forward. The dividends for Ohio—economically, ethically, and
diplomatically—will echo for generations.

Thank you for your time and for your leadership.


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