An AIPAC Experience

Students meet David Ben-Guron’s grandson, Alon Ben-Gurion, at the AIPAC National Summit. (Photo: Erica Miller) 

Recently, my few fellow students and I were privileged to go to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) National Summit, which took place in Dallas, Texas. We drove to Dallas Saturday night and were met with extreme hospitality at our hotels. The next day was action packed. After a deluxe breakfast, we attended a gathering in a historic theater in the city. There, AIPAC presented some of Israel’s newest breakthroughs but also some of their greatest threats. Following that, we were transported back to the hotel for a Tex Mex lunch.

My fellow students and I then went to our personally picked sessions. These sessions had speakers debating and discussing different topics relating Israel, the USA, and the Middle East. I personally enjoyed the Regional Analysis. Avi Dichter, the former head of the Shin Bet (Israel’s equivalent of the FBI), and Bret Stephens, the editor of the Wall Street Journal’s editorial page, examined the recent changes and newest threats posing America and Israel in the Middle East. In the short two hours, they were able to sum up the year and give educated predictions for the next year.

Sunday night, we dressed up and headed to Dallas’ premier opera house where AIPAC served an extravagant dinner. We then gathered into the concert hall to hear speeches from AIPAC’s leadership and some incredible Israelis. We saw videos vividly describing the life Israelis had during the war this past summer. I found this to be especially moving.

The videos allowed us to capture what kids our age must have felt when rockets were raining down on their home. We also heard a speech from a progressive, reform Rabbi from Berkeley, California. He was able to pinpoint practical reasons why every humane person should be a supporter of both the State of Israel and of AIPAC’s work. Sunday night was a night to remember.

The next day, we joined kids from other high schools around Texas. We were honored to hear an uplifting speech from AIPAC’s youth director and a talk from David Ben-Gurion’s grandson. Next, we continued to AT&T Stadium, otherwise known as Cowboy Stadium. AIPAC had rented out the structure and had lunch and activities prepared on the field! We feasted on the great food they had to offer. We also had self-guided tours around the stadium, including the player’s locker rooms. Additionally, we kicked field goals and threw passes on the Cowboys’ field. Unfortunately, we aren’t able to attend AIPAC’s final presentation that topped off the weekend.

AIPAC’s National Summit was a phenomenal experience where we showed our support, learned, and enjoyed ourselves. I really encourage all who read this to go to an AIPAC event. I’m sure that you won’t regret going, rather you’ll regret not getting involved in AIPAC earlier.