Protesters gather outside the AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., in June.

Members of the JVibe Teen Advisory Board (JTab) were personally invited to attend the 2008 American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., from June 2-4, where they had the chance to meet one another and soak up incredible experiences like hearing this year’s presidential contenders speak and attending various panel discussions and activities. Hear directly from three of the five JTabers who went this year:

I stood up to join the 7,000 other pro-Israel advocates as we applauded speakers for their hopeful words about the relationship between Israel and the United States. From presidential optimists Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the speakers at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Policy Conference on June 2-4, 2008, were only one of the many things that made the weekend phenomenal.

As a student delegate attending the conference for the second year in a row, I connected with friends both young and old, attended thought-provoking panel discussions and realized I didn’t stand alone when it came to supporting the bond between the United States and Israel. The culmination of my experience was lobbying with my representatives in Congress. Whether it was speaking to my congressman directly or simply making a connection with his staff members, it was an incredible feeling to know that my voice truly mattered, and that as a result of my visit, Israel wouldn’t be forgotten.
—Gabbi Baker, 17, Columbia, S.C.

“Israel: For a little country, they produce a lot of news!” Judging by the attendance and stories generated at AIPAC, conference lecturer David Makovsky was right. Among the 7,000 participants at the three-day conference in Washington, D.C., were 175 student-government presidents and more than 1,200 student delegates. Oh yes, and Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, John McCain and Condoleezza Rice competed for our attention and national headlines too. And during the rest of the time, we each picked several “break-out sessions” to attend, in which we heard various speakers talk about the presidential election, solutions to the conflicts in Israel and other fascinating topics, such as Israel’s foreign policy strategy and the 2008 presidential election.

Among my favorite sessions was one led by Dr. Tal Becker, David Makovsky and professor Kenneth Stein. Their discussion was called “Prospects for Peace: Can the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict be Resolved?” The three speakers espoused opinions on the choices available for peace. I began to understand that the problems in Israel are no longer territorial, but rather they stem from the ideological and religious differences between Israel and the surrounding Arab countries. Negotiation, which Dr. Becker sees as the only solution, can only be accomplished if all parties involved are working toward the same goal—Israelis and Palestinians at peace. In Dr. Becker’s words, “You don’t get to recognize your rights until you recognize the rights of others.”

I learned the importance of empowering moderates and taking away power from extremists, such as Hezbollah and Hamas. I also learned what a feat it is for a cause to enjoy such strong bi-partisan support from America. Israel is one of the very few issues for which both Republicans and Democrats are eager to show their support. I found it both interesting and uplifting to see so many different types of people come together for one common cause. As a young Jew, it was an inspiring experience that opened my eyes to the many ways I can make a difference and do my part to aid Israel in its efforts to achieve peace.
—Lucy Bierer, 16, Charlotte, N.C.

I had the chance to attend the AIPAC Policy Conference as one of the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization’s (BBYO) student delegates. As a student delegate, I was able to hear some incredible speakers, meet with hundreds, if not thousands, of like-minded individuals from around the world, and, most important, I lobbied with Sen. Elizabeth Dole from North Carolina on various topics affecting Israel.

During many of the various break-out sessions, I heard about some great things being done to ensure Israel’s future. At “Emerging Alliances: The African-American and Pro-Israel Communities” I heard Duncan Kirkwood, president of the Student Government Association at Alabama State University. A strong supporter of Israel in both words and actions on campus, Kirkwood has traveled to Israel and shared how he was so moved by young Israelis’ dedication to the IDF that he came back to the States and joined the National Guard. Be on the lookout for Kirkwood in the future—he plans to run for the U.S. Senate in 2010!

On the final morning of the conference, both Clinton and Obama spoke. If that wasn’t cool enough, it was the morning after Obama secured his presidential candidacy. Talk about a tension-filled room! (Don’t worry, McCain spoke too!) On top of the incredible leaders I met and heard from at the conference, I was able to spend some time with Lucy Bierer, a fellow B’nai B’rith girl, North Carolinian and, most awesomely, JTab member! If any of you have the chance to attend next year’s conference, I would highly suggest it.
—Alanna Davis, 18, Raleigh, N.C.

For more information about AIPAC and to register for the 2009 Policy Conference, visit aipac.org.

Gabbi Baker will be a high-school senior next fall. When she’s not planning pep rallies for student government or doing interviews for her school’s broadcast department, you can find her organizing programs for BBYO. She currently serves as s’ganit (programming vice president) on her BBG council board. She’s also a member of the JVibe Teen Advisory Board.

Lucy Bierer will be a high-school senior in the fall. She’s currently n’siah (president) of her BBYO chapter, Ohavim BBG #418, as well as safranit (sunshine girl) of North Carolina Council. She’s also a member of the JVibe Teen Advisory Board.

Alanna Davis will be a freshman in college in the fall. Her interests include Canada (her birthplace), Facebook, Year Course and music. She’s also a member of the JVibe Teen Advisory Board.