AIPAC: The power of one

Making an impact on policy

By SAMUEL LASSNER
aipac1 (photo credit: coutesy)
aipac1
(photo credit: coutesy)
I’ve always taken to heart the notions expounded in the book of Genesis that state that we should “not stand idly by” and the need to be our “brothers (and sisters) keepers.” To be honest, I never really thought that I or other individuals like me had the power to truly make a difference for our brothers and sisters of Am Yisrael in our beloved homeland Eretz Yisrael. However, the idea of the “Power of One” was recently made clear to me and I now realize how I and others can be catalysts for immediate and/or future change.
In October this year, I had the privilege to be a representative of Write on For Israel, a leadership course for young adults advocating for Israel. I attended the two day AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) High School Summit in Washington D.C, where I was one of about 400+ students chosen from across the United States to study and deliberate upon the topics of Israel, the formalities of lobbying my local congressperson and other key decision makers, as well receiving additional training in the art of public speaking. At the summit, we heard from the leadership of AIPAC, a former NBA star, the Miss Utah Pageant Winner and many others who came to instill in us the importance of having our voices heard for ourselves and on behalf of our brothers and sisters. What I did not know is that I was in store for much more than just that. Beyond the book knowledge, current events preparation and lobbying technique seminars, I was also taught the power that just one person can have on world affairs.
Mr. Jonathan Kessler, AIPAC’s Leadership Development Director and the moderator of first two sessions of the two day summit, illustrated brilliantly the “Power of One.” In his lecture, Mr. Kessler mentioned a few powerful key points that demonstrated this notion. For example, he told us that President George Bush’s amicability towards Israel stemmed from his relationship with pro-Israel students he met while he was a student at Yale University.
To think that my peers can and I may one day be world leaders and that things we say or do may one day affect foreign policy, is truly mind boggling but a challenge which I aspire to.
Being at a conference with hundreds of my peers was truly a great experience in itself. The students at the conference were from all different parts of the United States, with different backgrounds both religiously and politically. Even with all of our different upbringings, it was particularly moving to see us all take away this lesson of the power of one, already giving us the confidence to lobby congresspeople and their staffs on the second day of the summit.
Going to lobby the office of my local congresswoman was a truly inspiring experience that further denoted the “Power of One.” Getting the opportunity to talk to the people that make decisions that affect the world at large was incredible. We discussed issues such as the Iranian nuclear threat, direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority and the continued support of the Israel Foreign Aid Bill. These discussions not only showed us how well we were taught and trained, but impressed the congresspeople as well. We shared that there should be no preconditions for peace talks, as peace is peace, and peace is necessary. Regarding Iranian nuclear capabilities, we agreed that they are a threat to the existence of Israel and a documented danger to the world which must be stopped.
We discussed that sanctions must be implemented more swiftly in an effort to isolate and collapse a regime that arms terrorists and militants and throughly mistreats its citizens. A regime that wishes to simply annihilate any person or country that may prevent it from attaining it goals. Finally, we spoke about the need for the continuous support of the Israel Foreign Aid bill that provides funds and support which help to keep Israel the stable, humanitarian and sole democratic nation it is in a volatile region. After this lobbying appointment was over, I realized what incredible impact young lobbyists can have. We are appreciated and respected by Congresspeople, for we are their constituents, future voters and key representatives of our communties.
As a young Jewish American whose relatives suffered through the Holocaust, Israel is of paramount importance to me and my family. It serves as my homeland, my refuge and a place where Jews can come and practice their religion and customs in absolute freedom. I believe my experiences with Write on for Israel and my eagerness to participate in AIPAC mirror the behavior of the State of Israel vi'savis being our brothers and sisters keepers. Israel is my example.
There is not a disaster in the world in which Israel does not volunteer its aid services, even if the 'sibling' nation itself is not on the best terms with Israel. It is for these reasons and others that I am and will continue to be so passionate about Israel, defending its legitimacy and emulating its sibling-like care for all. I see this as my personal, perpetual duty. I will shortly embark upon my college journey and I know I am likely to meet individuals who have malice towards Israel or are ill informed. I will do my best to guide them towards the truth and I will of course continue to advocate for Israel. It doesn't just bode well for me; it's also for my family and my people, of whom I proud to be a "keeper."