Today opened up with a bang. We got to hear from numerous senators and congressmen. Moreover, we had the unique opportunity to hear from Vice President Joe Biden and the Prime Minister of Israel, Binyamin Netanyahu. From Joe Biden we learned about the importance of Israel as an American ally in the Middle East. Not only is it in Israel’s best interest to prevent Iran from gaining nuclear capabilities, but it is also in the best interest of America and the world at large.
One of the sessions I attended today that stood out to me was, “The Holy Land’s Religious and Historic Significance.” The session was lead by Rabbi Efrem Goldberg and Reverend Doctor Tony Crisp. It gave me the opportunity to see Israel from the perspective of not only a Jew, but an evangelical Christian. It showed how despite our religious differences we come together to share the common goal of Israel’s safety.
Chelsea discusses her experiences at AIPAC in an interview with JM in the AM, a New York based radio show.
Both speakers emphasized the idea that Israel is the Jewish state and it is up to us to maintain that. During the Q&A at the end of the session, a Christen man stood up and stated how he never met a Jew in his life before this conference. And he is astounded by our commitment as Jews to the state of Israel. Seeing the commitment and passion that we, the Jewish people, have to our land helped inspire his support and passion for Israel.
Overall, I now feel adequately prepared to lobby on behalf of Israel tomorrow afternoon. I learned that simply conveying my passion for Israel can have an impact on its future. As a teenager, it is invigorating to know that I can easily make an impact on Israel from abroad.
Special thanks to Leora Sherman for allowing me to discuss my thoughts with her.
Chelsea Kornmehl,
Junior, Ilan High School, Marlboro, NJ