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May 28, 2004/Sivan 8 5764, Vol. 56, No. 36
If not now, when?
MICHELLE HICKS
Special to Jewish News
I was one among 4,500 attendees from the United States and Israel at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) 2004 Policy Conference in Washington D.C., May 16-18. The Arizona delegation included 43 adults and 22 students.
The conference aimed to educate us about current events in Israel and the Middle East as well as to influence United States government policy related to Israel. Forum topics included fighting terrorism, democracy in the Middle East, the war in Iraq, Islam 101, the return of anti-Semitism and Israeli politics.
We heard speeches from Yosef Lapid, minister of justice and deputy prime minister of Israel; Paul Begala, host of CNN's "Crossfire"; and Ralph Reed, southeast regional chairman of the Bush-Cheney 2004 campaign. U.S. House of Representatives Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Tex.) and Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) addressed us, as did Ron Kehrmann, whose daughter was the victim of a homicide attack on a bus in Haifa.
A gala banquet drew nearly 5,000 people as almost 400 senators and representatives dined with us at the Washington Armory.
The following morning, I worked my way through metal detectors, the Secret Service and a standing-room-only crowd to hear President Bush talk about the war in Iraq and his strong support for Israel. His words inspired standing ovations too numerous to count, and the crowd chanted "four more years" so loudly, the president had to briefly pause.
Even the president appeared stunned at this warm reception from a crowd that predominantly voted for Al Gore in the 2000 election.
On Capitol Hill we lobbied our senators and representatives, meeting with staffers from the offices of Sens. John McCain and Jon Kyl, and in person with Rep. J.D. Hayworth. We talked about aid to Israel, opposing Iran's nuclear weapons plan, and backing for Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's disengagement plan.
I was pleased with the substance, speakers and organization of such a large event. I was also thrilled to see so many college students - nearly 850 - in attendance. They were knowledgeable and articulate about issues pertaining to the Middle East.
However, I was discouraged at the lack of young professionals there. A mere handful of the Arizona delegates was between the ages of 25 and 45.
It is not our parents' responsibility to carry the torch forever, nor will they be able to. If we want a vibrant Jewish state in the Middle East, thriving Jewish community centers around Arizona, a government that recognizes and combats anti-Semitism wherever it may occur, and enough aid to help Jews in their time of need, we must stop thinking only of ourselves. Although we are starting our own families and careers we must not ignore our duty to the Jewish community. If not now, when?
Michelle Hicks is a board member of the Young Leadership Division of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix. She led the 2003 Leadership Development Series for young professionals within the Jewish community. She lives in Scottsdale and will be attending medical school in the fall.
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