For the People, By the People: The Power of Advocacy and Lobbying
A pressing question has surrounded YUPAC’s recent lobbying trip to Washington: Does our work even make a difference? Do our conversations and research actually affect change in actual legislation? Does engaging with legislators and their offices, especially those who have already made their stance on Israel clear and are avid supporters of Israel’s right to defend itself cause any shift in perspective or policy?
In asking these questions, we often forget that reinforcing values, showing hakarat hatov, and creating personal ties are extremely significant in their own right. We forget that coming together to support these integral measures deeply reflects our core beliefs and underscores the intrinsic bond between our Jewish faith and American identity. As Americans, we believe in the founding ideals that our country was built upon. These convictions coincide with many of Israel’s values as well. This pursuit is rooted deeply in Jewish philosophy in our obligations to contribute to the societies we live in even beyond our own communities. As Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks so beautifully articulated, “Judaism is God’s call to responsibility.”
Our efforts, such as YUPAC’s lobbying trip, allow us to emphasize our whole-hearted support for our common democratic values, particularly in an age where misinformation has obscured much of the truth. Advocating on behalf of Israel forms a shield against the poisonous spread of misinformation that pervades so much of the media. We are living in an age where distorted narratives and falsehood easily spread and gain traction, and so much of this news is easily accessible. As Americans, we believe in freedom of speech and freedom of expression, and we must act on these principles to speak out for the policies we believe in and spread real truth.
What our generation often lacks is the art of simple, meaningful conversation. We are frequently either too rigid in our personal perspectives or lack sufficient knowledge to engage in thoughtful dialogue. Our inability to converse openly, intelligently and respectfully may lead to misunderstandings, tension and deepening divides, further fueling the polarization that dominates society today. Dedicating your time and doing the necessary research for these kinds of conversations can create positive and needed change. We possess the ability to do this — it is only a matter of how much we care to do so. Through joining initiatives like YUPAC’s recent lobbying trip, students can equip themselves with the tools necessary to engage in this meaningful discourse. By undertaking these efforts, we empower ourselves with the ability to hold vital conversations with people who can actively make a difference.
When meeting with legislators, we bring together various students of different backgrounds to make a difference. YUPAC is a bipartisan club for a reason, a partnership that emphasizes unified interests and goals. Students with differing political beliefs may also meet with representatives who hold contrasting viewpoints. Together, we are a melting pot of policy perspectives. We expand our borders to not only engage with the other side of the political spectrum by generating these conversations, but to solidify vital relationships on behalf of our communities, joining together to create a difference.
Lobbying also provides the distinct opportunity to hold these kinds of conversations with legislators and their staff members, breaking potential barriers of unconnectedness and unfamiliarity and replacing them with personability and a profound impact. Equally significant was the opportunity to learn more about each group member’s personal experiences with anti-Israel sentiment and antisemitism. Reading about such issues in the news is one thing, but for congressional staffers and even fellow students themselves to hear firsthand accounts, whether inspiring or unsettling, adds a deeply human element to the conversation and relationship.
By lobbying on behalf of Israel to U.S. legislators, we have the potential to be powerful advocates in a partnership that has vital ramifications for both international relations and domestic politics. Though advocacy may not always lead to immediate policy changes, it does advance our main goal — to make our voices heard. As Jews, we are given the immense privilege of being rooted in a legacy and homeland, a connection to our history. Yet our responsibility extends far beyond Israel being our ancestral land; it is our moral duty to stand up for what we believe is right and to oppose injustice, cruelty and unfounded hatred. It is imperative that we take ownership of informing members of Congress and each of our representatives about the history and significance of the U.S.-Israel bond. Our collective voices can serve as a powerful force to counter ignorance and ensure the truth is heard. As Jews, we are tasked with being an or lagoyim — “a light unto the nations.” As Jews, we represent and project G-d’s image into the world, a revelatory message. We can only successfully disseminate this message through action. Connecting with congressional staffers strengthens our individualistic and collective Jewish identity grounded in the broader landscape of the American experience.
The work we undertake as part of YUPAC matters, not just for Israel, but because it is part of contributing to a society that enshrines our shared values. As students, we are the future, and our voices will be recognized as such.
Every time we prove that we are worthy of this attention and conversation, we perpetuate respect for our goals as a community and attention to important matters. As advocates, we access a unique opportunity to partake in moral leadership, a chance to yield a sense of clarity. Especially when lobbying on behalf of Israel — the overarching goal of the YUPAC trip — each person who participates inevitably makes a difference, actively strengthening a positive perspective of Israel through powerful discourse. Showing up demonstrates that this work is a matter of great urgency and deep relevance to us as general constituents. While the worldly events unfold in their own time, we must embrace a paradigm shift in perspective: recognizing the profound power of our individual actions and our collective impact.
Whether you decided to partake in this past trip or choose to participate in the next, I encourage you to create these vital relationships and find personal relevance in the experience. The conversations and advocacy efforts will continue to shape important discussions and your involvement can make that necessary difference.
Photo Caption: Yeshiva University students on the annual YUPAC Washington trip
Photo Credit: Moishe Rechester
