By Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal
SAN DIEGO — Can you imagine over 12,000 Jews and non-Jews gathered together in the same place for the same purpose? I would not have thought it possible, except I just returned from the AIPAC 2013 Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. and saw it myself.
The last time I attended a Policy Conference was about five years ago. The numbers were large but not compared to this year. 12,000 Jews and non-Jews gathered at the Washington D.C. Convention Center to celebrate the U.S. – Israel relationship. Included in those numbers were more than 60 Senators and 240 members of the House of Representatives who attended and were publicly recognized at Monday night’s Gala.
We heard and met with government leaders who ran the political gamut from Vice-President Joe Biden to Republican House Majority Leader Eric Cantor. They all told us that although Washington is hopelessly divided on many major issues, the one place where they all come together is support for the State of Israel. This includes support for Israel’s pursuit of peace with the Palestinians through a two-state solution, Israel’s security, Israel’s right to exist, and continued United States foreign aid for Israel.
A major topic of discussion was Iran’s development of a nuclear weapon. While some speakers urged patience in the quest for a political solution, all stated unequivocally, including Vice President Biden speaking on behalf of President Obama, that no option was off the table. Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon would not only pose a threat to Israel, but to Europe and the United States as well. It would lead to other Middle East countries developing their own nuclear weapons, and there would be no telling into whose hands they would fall.
Especially heartening at this conference was the participation of over 2,000 students, from High School through College. A contingent of students from the San Diego Jewish Academy was on my flight to D.C., along with the SDJA’s head of Judaic Studies, Alan Rusonik. Educating our students is imperative, not only to stand up to the attacks on Israel on college campuses, but to better educate their peers.
One of the major differences between this conference and the last I attended was the multiplicity of opinions that were expressed on several hot button topics, such as the composition of the Israeli government, the settlements, relationships with the Palestinians, etc. All differences of opinion were treated openly and respectfully. But differences of opinion took second place to everyone’s commitment to the existence and security of Israel as a Jewish State.
It is impossible to describe the experience of attending the AIPAC Policy Conference on paper. You have to be there to feel the excitement and commitment not only of the participants, but of our Senators and Representatives of the State of Israel, as well. Many congregations brought their own delegations. This year, only Karen and Bob Zeiger, long time AIPAC supporters, represented Tifereth Israel Synagogue.
Next year I would like to see our numbers grow. I have already signed up for next year’s 2014 AIPAC Policy Conference and invite congregants to join me.
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Rabbi Rosenthal is spiritual leader of Tifereth Israel Synagogue in San Diego. He may be contacted at leonard.rosenthal@sdjewishworld.com