The Rebbe's house, marginal meetings and encouragement for Netanyahu: Minister Silman's annual trip to New York

Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman flew to New York for climate events on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, without her ministry's professional staff. The trip is estimated to cost $20,000-$25,000. Silman visited the Lubavitcher Rebbe's house, met with representatives from the Philippines and Micronesia, and attended Netanyahu's UN speech, applauding repeatedly. A ministry source said she traveled alone to reduce costs.

Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman flew to New York for climate events on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, without her ministry's professional staff. The trip is estimated to cost between $20,000 and $25,000, not including security. Silman began her visit at the Lubavitcher Rebbe's house in Brooklyn, as she did last year. She met with the environment ministers of the Philippines (ranked 169 out of 180 on the Environmental Performance Index) and Micronesia (ranked 119). Silman attended Netanyahu's UN speech, applauding repeatedly, and wrote that he "presented the truth and the bravery of the soldiers." A ministry source said she traveled alone to reduce costs. The article notes that Silman has been pushed to an unrealistic spot on the Likud list for the next Knesset.