AIPAC Policy Conference

By lara s. ‘22

On March first through third, more than 18,000 activists, leaders, and people seeking change joined together in our nation’s capital for AIPAC’s 2020 Policy Conference. AIPAC stands for American Israel Public Affairs Committee, but its mission encompasses so much more than an inspiring gathering. The conference attendees included more than 4,000 students from 630 campuses, including Jews and non-Jews, Latinos, African Americans, and Christians creating a diverse group of people, all with the same bipartisan goal of strengthening and maintaining the US Israel relationship. Through involvement with AIPAC, I have witnessed true bipartisan work by experiencing lobbying with people from all sides of the political spectrum. AIPAC has worked to make the importance of Israel’s relationship with the U.S. unbiased, both a Republican and Democrat issue. 

Throughout this conference, there are general sessions with 18,000 attendees all in the same room, gathering to hear from many leaders who are also passionate about the relationship between the United States and Israel. I had the privilege of hearing from the Prime Minister of Israel (Benjamin Netanyahu) The President of Serbia (Aleksandar Vucic), Vice President Pence, Mayor Mike Bloomberg, Senator Cory Booker, President of Colombia, and many representatives from Congress and throughout the world. In addition to these high profile leaders, I heard from innovators, activists, and people working towards peace and success in the Middle East. Many of the leaders discussed their countries' status and standpoint on the Middle Eastern conflict, which was very informative.  Hearing from the activists was also inspiring, as they shared the many ways they are able to make an impact on not only their communities, but the world. 

As well as these general plenary sessions, attendees can choose from many in-depth breakout sessions. These sessions cater to many interests; you could attend a seminar by a former CIA officer, talks by heads of influential organizations, lessons by high profile lawmakers and congressmen, tips from directors of college admissions, or a debate between two past presidential campaign managers. There truly is something to suit everyone’s interests. The unique aspect of these sessions is they are not limited to just discussing the Middle East and Israel. There are hundreds of things to learn about through these breakouts, like politics, government, leadership, and advocacy. 

Benefits of this conference continue after  conclusion of the sessions. In the afternoon and nights, there are networking sessions that may be specific to your occupation, interests, or home city. In the convention center there is the AIPAC Village. This Village is home to hundreds of Israeli Innovation showcases, that display everything from life-changing medicine to revolutionary water desalination technology that has been adapted into many other countries. I was able to go into a simulation of a pop-up fully equipped emergency surgery room and test a flavor changing sugar created by the Israeli company Douxmatok. These inventions successfully benefit the US through implementation; one company we saw creates trays for McDonald’s out of recycled goods. The Village is also an opportunity to meet others who share your passions and connect with people from all over the globe. 

By becoming active in an organization like AIPAC, members are able to create a direct connection with members of Congress. Through these relationships, they are able to inform representatives on topics concerning Israel so that they may decide to support such bills and letters when they are voted on. 

On Tuesday, after one last informative and engaging general session, delegations set off to Capitol Hill to lobby. This year, AIPAC’s lobbying agenda covered three main topics: continuing support, funding, and security assistance to Israel through the 2016 MOU, extending the Iranian Arms Embargo, and standing with Israel against discrimination. Each delegation chose three people to present these topics in hopes of informing their representatives to vote in favor. I had the opportunity to write and present a speech regarding security assistance in Israel and funding for the Iron Dome to Rep. Patrick McHenry of District 10 in North Carolina. This was a unique opportunity, as I got to present to his office, the representative himself, and a large group of delegates from North Carolina. 

As a high schooler, being involved in AIPAC has given me a passion to pursue and an opportunity to become a leader. I have been educated on foreign affairs and politics and my interest in these subjects has grown as a result. When it comes to the success of the United States, our economy, innovation, government, and relations are strongest when the Israel-United States relationship is strong. The Middle East should concern everyone. Iran constantly threatens to obtain nuclear weapons to not only attack Israel but the United States as well. Organizations like Hamas, Hezbollah, ISIS, and more terrorist organizations with the goal of creating chaos in the Middle East, but do not limit attacks to that region. By making peace in the Middle East, beginning with assisting Israel with security assistance against terrorist organizations that try to wipe out the state, we are closer to world peace.