by Rabbi David Woznica

Along with members of our congregation, I have just returned from the AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington, D.C.

Speakers at the plenary sessions included Ambassador Nikki Haley, Senator Charles Schumer, Vice President Mike Pence, Israeli Labor Party Chairman Avi Gabbay, Con. Nancy Pelosi, Senator Mitch McConnell, Con. Grace Meng, Senator Robert Mendendez. Prime Minister Netanyahu was the closing speaker.

Also featured were some of Israel’s technological gifts to our world all of which engender great pride.

Between the plenaries were dozens of break-out sessions with leading political leaders and thinkers addressing a myriad of issues. And, the Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University along with David Broza and Friends kept our musical juices flowing.

There is the unexpected. At an informal gathering hosted by the Reform movement late Sunday night, former Labor Party chairman Isaac “Bougie” Herzog unexpectedly stopped by (we were having pizza in Chinatown) to share some thoughts. Not an everyday occurrence.

It’s refreshing to see political leaders and attendees from across the political and religious spectrum coming together to support the U.S.- Israel relationship. Following the close of the conference on Tuesday, AIPAC delegates were welcomed to Capitol Hill to lobby members of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Our large Stephen Wise Temple delegation manages to include in its own get-togethers.  On Saturday night, we gathered for an informal cocktail reception prior to the start of the conference and then many of us went to dinner. On Sunday night our group came together (Congressman Brad Sherman stopped by) for some good cheer.

I invite you to join us at AIPAC’s Policy Conference next March. There are many ways to show support for Israel, but few are as invigorating and satisfying. In addition to all you will learn, among the 18,000 attendees they expect, you will very likely make some new Stephen Wise Temple friends.

I look forward to seeing you.

 

P.S. A link to the AIPAC website follows. There are significantly discounted tickets available for early registrants and they offer a full refund through mid January. And with Israel on your mind, consider making a family trip to Israel with Rabbi Yoshi and Cantor Lam this June. Click here to learn more. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate Israel’s 70th birthday.