Off to Washington. I’m not sure why, but everyone says you must go on AIPAC.
So, with runny nose and diminishing fever, I’ve joined a 4 a.m. bus to Washington, DC. My husband says he would have remained in bed. I thought I would too. But when I woke up feeling a little better, at 3 a.m., I felt it was a message. It was amazing – with no alarm set, and with just enough time to pack and set things in some order, I got out on time. At my healthiest, things don’t usually go that smoothly!
So, here I am bumping along in the dark, on my way. Who knows how much more informed and politically savvy I shall return?
So, I’ve been here at AIPAC two days now. And I can say there’s a lot here, from education about America and Israel relations to world perspectives. But the most important message is no matter where you stand on a multiplicity of issues, Israel should matter to you, no matter what side of the aisle you are on.
What’s impressed me most? AIPAC’s work on college campuses, which I believe must be tripled. And I don’t mean students working harder; I mean making students a lot smarter. Colleges inoculate enthusiastic young people with ideas, in and out of the classroom, and unfortunately many put Israel in the wrong. We don’t want the next generation embracing false views. AIPAC talks to students from all backgrounds, religions, and outlooks, and even takes them to Israel to open them up to the realities of Israel’s struggles.
So was it worth sneezing my way through this conference? For me, definitely. For the other 17,999 people exposed to me, I’m not sure! But would I say they do great work? It seems, yes, though maybe they should not only put people through security to protect others, they should also take their temperature!
Okay, calm down, I’m just being funny. I washed my hands a hundred times here and really was not sneezing anymore once I decided to come. The Jews have enough issues to contend with – they don’t need me spreading germs while running around here.
There is often a passion that makes each of us choose our affiliations and outlooks. However, the more polarized each base becomes, the broader the messages and beliefs that get swept into each gestalt. The ultimate message here is that you don’t need to change your view on everything, but don’t passively allow others to stuff a perspective into your worldview because you align with them on some issues. Learn facts to refute wrongs!!
Bottom line, I want to share this year’s AIPAC philosophy: choose to lead! May we all do this in making the world a better place for us, our contemporaries, and our children.
Rivki Rosenwald is a certified relationship counselor, and career and life coach. She can be contacted at 917-705-2004 or [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]
