(Stand Up For Idaho News Release, December 2, 2025)
Idaho Falls–This past September, a delegation of 250 state legislators from across the country traveled to Israel to attend a bipartisan conference for American state legislators. The conference was called “50 State, One Israel”. The entire cost of the trip was paid for by the Israeli government and was aimed at strengthening ties between the 50 States and Israel, and urging legislative support for pro-Israel policies, including anti-Boycott, Divestment, and Sanction laws.
According to Boise State Public Radio, five (5) Idaho legislators were among 250 legislators that attended the conference. House Assistant Majority Leader Josh Tanner (R-Eagle), House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel (D-Boise), House Local Government Committee Chairwoman Barbara Ehardt (R-Idaho Falls), House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee Chairman Bruce Skaug (R-Nampa), and Rep. John Shirts (R-Weiser) participated in the trip. Senator Kelly Anthon (R-Burley and Senate Pro Tem) was also supposed to go but became very ill and had to return. Here are links to a few articles regarding the conference:
- https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-867559
- https://www.boisestatepublicradio.org/politics-government/2025-09-17/idaho-rubel-skaug-tanner-ehardt-israel-terror-genocide-palestine
- https://idahocapitalsun.com/2025/09/20/idaho-legislators-participate-in-50-states-one-israel-conference-paid-for-by-israeli-government/
- https://www.eastidahonews.com/2025/09/idaho-legislators-participate-in-50-states-one-israel-conference-paid-for-by-israeli-government/
- https://www.idahostatesman.com/opinion/readers-opinion/article312167553.html
Casey Whalen is an investigative journalist and independent media producer serving the state of Idaho, specializing in uncovering corruption, documenting abuses of power, and helping local citizens bring their stories into the light. Casey provides grassroots reporting that circumvents traditional media gatekeeping and his work has been featured by VICE News, One America News Network (OANN), the John Birch Society, Alex Newman’s Liberty Sentinel, Infowars, and most recently the documentary “Never in America” by Ryan Matta Media, which investigates Idaho Child Protective Service’s medical kidnapping of Baby Cyrus. Casey’s reporting blends public-records research, long-form video documentation, and citizen-driven storytelling to shed light on issues often ignored by mainstream outlets.
Casey has been investigating the “50 States, One Israel” conference and Israel’s influence on Idaho’s legislators, and he would like to share what he has found out thus far. [Note: Casey Whalen will participate remotely.]
Some questions we should ask ourselves include: Why should Israel get special treatment over other nations, including the United States? How much influence does Israel have over our state legislators? How is giving an “all-expense paid” trip to state legislators not a bribe, whether it be this trip to Israel or any other trip?
Questioning Israel’s influence and special treatment is not being anti-semitic. We should question how much influence ANY foreign nation has on our state and nation…Stand Up For Idaho is not going to shy away from controversial topics. To uncover what is really true, we believe it is necessary to hear all sides of a story, regardless of how controversial they may be.
Attendance to our Town Halls is free but donations are greatly appreciated.
Snake River Event Center (Shilo Inn), 780 Lindsay Blvd., Idaho Falls
6:30pm (Doors open at 6:00pm)
