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From the Rabbi's
Desk..
A year ago, my son-in-law, Rabbi Steven Kane, returned from the annual AIPAC Policy Conference and told me “You have to go.” This year the two of us attended the conference together and I, too, am telling everyone who will listen, “You have to go”. Without exception this was the best organized and the most inspiring conference I have ever attended. The conference was held at the Convention Center in Washington, D.C., a most impressive facility able to accommodate comfortably the five thousand people in attendance.
People came from every state in the nation with but one goal… to strengthen the bond between America and Israel and to lobby our Senators and Representatives in support of Israel. We heard moving addresses from the Vice President, the majority and minority leaders of both houses of Congress along with an impassioned address from the popular Evangelical Preacher, John Hagee. The pastor, speaking to a cheering and standing audience said, “Israel, fifty million American Evangelicals stand with you.” While there were some raised eyebrows and criticism voiced at the choice of Pastor Hagee due to Evangelical theology, we were profoundly moved by his ringing support of Israel, support that Israel needs and appreciates. He had five thousand people on their feet cheering and applauding at least twenty to twenty five times.
Speakers and video presentations were introduced with Academy Award flair and, with the use of modern technology, were seen on large screens strategically placed and clearly heard from every seat in the cavernous room.
We were taught how to lobby and I personally made a presentation to Congressman Gary Ackerman. Our Congressman is now Chairman of The House Subcommittee on the Middle East…a very strategic position. Congressman Ackerman hardly needs to be lobbied on issues related to Israel. There are, however, many Congressmen and Senators who need to hear from us on these issues. Thousands of delegates climbed Capitol Hill to meet with our elected officials urging their support of measures critical to Israel’s security which are currently pending in Congress. As members of AIPAC we were warmly received.
Well over four hundred members of the Senate and House attended our closing dinner along with dozens and dozens of members of the Diplomatic Corps., all demonstrating support for the America-Israel relationship. We heard from Israel’s Foreign Minister Tzippy Livni and Dan Gellerman, Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations. We heard inspiring stories from Israeli soldiers, from Ethiopians and student leaders from American Universities. Most impressive was the very large number of young men and women in their 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s in attendance. It was reassuring to see new generations of young Jews moved by their love for Israel to spend three exhausting days meeting in Washington. Now that I am home, let me say once again, “You have to go!” If you can manage two or three days in Washington in June of next year, you, too, will return telling everyone, “You have to go!”
Rabbi Albert Thaler
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