On Tuesday, May 20, I did something different from my usual routine of academics, internships and my relentless quest to get into a highly selective university. I spent the day meeting with Congress, legislators and key figures combating antisemitism worldwide.
When I was part of NORPAC’s mission to Washington, I was with hundreds of pro-Israel advocates with one goal: to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship by speaking directly with congressional leaders. I’m a high school junior at the Torah Academy of Bergen County, and like many Jewish high school juniors, I’m preparing to go off to college while facing the ongoing problems on campuses. I’m aware of how the protests are now reshaping the environment that Jewish college students face. I knew I had to advocate. NORPAC was the perfect opportunity for me to do that.
My New Rochelle community was with me to meet with Congress and staff to thank them for their continued support of Israel and the legislation to stop aggression from Israel’s enemies.
One particular moment that stood out to me was meeting with Westchester County representative George Latimer. He listened, encouraged and made it clear that this truly mattered. I learned that leadership is not one-size-fits-all, and students like me have the ability to initiate change.
The day was not just about the U.S.-Israel relationship. It was a chance for me to learn how to speak up. It was about speaking with clarity, even when this world feels uncertain. I know that when I step onto my future college campus after high school, I’ll do it with confidence that I’ve already stood up for the Jewish people in the nation’s capital.
For others thinking, “Does it matter to go to NORPAC?’’ Yes, it does matter. Because if no one shows up, someone else will dictate what happens to Jews.
Oliver is a high school junior at the Torah Academy of Bergen County. In addition to holding internships in three different industries (marketing, retail and catering), he is involved in many extracurricular activities. He has lived in Potomac, Maryland and is a New York native. He currently lives in Westchester.
