This is my third visit to Israel, though my first as foreign minister. I was last here as transport minister in 2010. While I didn’t make it during my posting as leader of the government in Canada’s “Knesset,” I have had constructive dealings with Israeli counterparts of each of the Cabinet portfolios I’ve held—and there have been several. While some might suggest that’s a sign I simply can’t hold down a job, I prefer to look at the number and variety of our interactions as a reflection of the breadth and depth of relations between our two countries.

This time, not only do I get to gloat about the number of Sens [Ottawa Senators] versus the number of Leafs [Toronto Maple Leafs] on this year’s NHL All-Star Team, but I also get to see some good friends and relive some good memories from my time at Queen’s Park.