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For years, I found excuses for not attending JAC's DC Policy Conference, but in reality, I didn’t think I was politically savvy enough, knowledgeable enough, fill in the blank enough. But this year, I ran out of excuses and found myself walking into my first DC conference, nervous and excited, hoping it would remind me not to give up on politics.
I knew immediately I’d made the right decision to attend. I was blown away by the schedule and materials. They were beautifully designed and, more importantly, incredibly informative and detailed, leaving me well prepared for my Hill visits.
We heard from leading policy experts who shared their knowledge and insights with us. The caliber of speakers addressing all of JAC’s core issues: a strong Israel/US relationship, fighting antisemitism, women’s reproductive rights, gun violence prevention, and separation of church and state — was incredibly impressive. These speakers not only validated many of my concerns about where our country is headed, but they also empowered me to go to the Hill the next day, more confident in my ability to be an effective advocate for the issues I care about. I knew that I belonged on the Hill.
Walking into the capital buildings, I felt like I was in the room where it happens. DC politics can feel distant and unapproachable, but as we spoke to congressperson after congressperson, it felt like change might be possible, that my voice is being heard.
Maybe the chaos of the past few years can course-correct. My hope is that Sen. Elissa Slotkin (MI) and Rep. Tom Suozzi (NY), whom I met with, will remember our conversations when it's time to vote on increasing the Nonprofit Security Grant Program so Jewish schools, like the ones my children attend, have the necessary tools to protect themselves against a possible antisemitic attack.
I also hope they realize that there is a community of Democratic Jews who are fighting for a secure and democratic Jewish state of Israel while also defending democracy here at home. When gun violence prevention bills are finally brought to the floor, I want them to remember the discussion about my community, which has already been directly affected by assault weapons and needs legislative change.
Beyond the nearly 70 collective Hill meetings, the lasting connections made with other like-minded attendees while we navigated the confusing hallways of Congress will remain a lasting memory.
The conference showed me that I am not alone in sleepless nights worrying about the planet we are leaving for our children. I met JAC women, and some men, from across the country who share my concerns and passion for making change. It was an inspiring couple of days that left me feeling more confident and reassured that my hope is not lost.
Nowhere else but at a JAC conference could I have the opportunity to share tiramisu at dinner with Rep. Wesley Bell (MO) and kvell with Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (CA) over her Jewish grandchildren. I am grateful to JAC for this experience and for the unique opportunity to deepen my political knowledge and expand my community.
Next time you feel the inclination to sit this one out, I urge you to take the leap and join me in DC, and join JAC if you are not yet a member.
You don’t need to wait until our next DC conference to feel inspired. Join us at the JAC Power of Women luncheon on June 1st, Highland Park, IL, featuring one of our community’s strongest Israel allies in Congress, Rep. Richie Torres (NY). CLICK HERE TO RSVP. By the way, this is my shameless plug. I am co-chairing the luncheon with Linda Schottenstein Fisher. Hope to see you there!
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