Sen. Jim Whelan has been appointed to the New Jersey-Israel Commission, Gov. Chris Christie announced late last week.

Whelan was appointed to the commission for the first time, and joins three members being reappointed, including Sen. Robert Singer, of Ocean County; Sen. Thomas H. Kean Jr., of Union County; and Sen. Loretta Weinberg, of Bergen County.

The commission was established in 1989 following the signing of the Sister State Agreement between Israel and New Jersey in 1988, under Thomas H. Kean Sr. The commission's goal is to "promote the development of trade, culture and educational exchanges; encourage the development of capital investment and joint business ventures; and foster a spirit of cooperation between the citizens of the State of Israel and the State of New Jersey," according to the state's website.

"The senator has had a great relationship with local Jewish community leaders," Whelan Legislative Aide Michael Suleiman said. "This commission is an important measure and he's happy to serve on the commission."