On May 20, over 1,000 activists for the U.S.-Israel relationship gathered in Washington, D.C. for NORPAC’s 30th annual mission. The day began with a plenary session at Union Station, featuring a fireside chat with Sen. John Fetterman (D-Penn.) and a keynote address by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), followed by nearly 400 scheduled meetings on Capitol Hill.

Mission Chair Trudy Stern began: “Welcome to what is not just a day on the Hill, but a powerful act of democracy in action. The mission enables us to deepen relationships with elected officials that are created by the work NORPAC does the rest of the year. … As friends of many key leaders in Congress and the Senate, NORPAC has played a key role in advocating for major policy successes, from Iran sanctions to missile defense to combating BDS. Together, we have established NORPAC as a major political force in Washington. Together, we have helped secure the U.S.-Israel alliance and advocated for policies that strengthen America.

“We’re not just here as Jews,” she added. “We’re here as Americans. Because anti-Israel hate is never just about Israel; it’s an attack on Western values, truth and democracy. Any policy that weakens Israel weakens our most steadfast and reliable ally in the Middle East. As we walk the halls of Congress today, we are standing up for Israel, for America, and for every free society.

“Your presence here today has the power to move the needle,” she continued. “We did not have this kind of access during the Holocaust. We did not have the opportunity to sit face-to-face with decision-makers and demand moral clarity. But today, we do. … Everything we’ve built over the past 30 years was for this moment, a moment when Israel is under attack. Since October 7th, antisemitism is raging, and support for our community is wavering. When you are asked in the future what you did during this critical time, you will be able to answer with pride: ‘I showed up. I stood up. I did my part.’”

After receiving thunderous applause, Fetterman noted that within his party, he often stands alone on the issue of support for Israel. “Israel and your community deserves much better from my party,” he said. Fetterman cited antisemitism on college and university campuses across the country, noting how his colleagues were not addressing the situation. Grateful for Fetterman’s advocacy, NORPAC presented the senator with an official NORPAC hoodie.

Cruz began his remarks praising Fetterman for standing alone in his party and supporting Israel. Cruz then shifted to discuss his concerns regarding the perspectives of certain officials in the White House influencing President Donald Trump’s Iran policy. Cruz encouraged NORPAC members to bring up the issue during their discussions with any administration officials. “We need clarity with the Trump administration, and as NORPAC communicates with the administration, I am concerned that there are voices within the administration not fully supporting the president’s stance on dismantlement,” Cruz said. “There are some in the Senate who argue that Iran can have civilian peaceful nuclear power. However, I believe there is no justification for Iran to possess any nuclear capabilities.”

This year, NORPAC talking points included three sections: America’s security partnership with Israel, Iran, and antisemitism on college campuses.

Activists asked the members of Congress to sign on to the U.S.-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025 (S. 554/H.R. 1229) to expand and deepen the bilateral defense partnership, leveraging the unique capabilities of each country’s defense industrial base to enhance mutual security. The Act establishes a U.S.-Israel cooperative program authorized at $150 million annually through 2030.

On Iran’s nuclear threat, members of Congress were asked to urge the administration that any agreement with Iran must eliminate Iran’s ability to enrich uranium, subject to anytime/anywhere inspections and ensure that sanctions relief not be spent on financing terror groups. In addition, members were asked to co-sponsor the Graham-Britt-Cotton resolution, and the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 (S. 556; H.R. 1422).

Regarding countering antisemitism on college campuses, members were asked if they would speak up about the harmful influence of authoritarian and terrorist-supporting governments such as Qatar, one of the largest funders of U.S. higher education. Senators were asked to co-sponsor the DETERRENT Act and all members were asked to co-sponsor the Antisemitism Awareness Act and vote on the “clean” version of that bill. Finally, NORPAC members were asked to remind all members that 58 hostages remain in Gaza.

Alex Gershuni, a junior at Yeshivat Frisch and third-time NORPAC participant, met with Sen. Charles Schumer and Representatives Josh Gottheimer, Haley Stevens and Bill Foster. “For the past 2,000 years, all too often, we were driven to run and hide from antisemitism,” Gershuni said. “It always ended in disaster. NORPAC is an opportunity to stand up for ourselves, to talk about antisemitism, about important issues instead of just hiding.”

This was SAR’s senior Eric Sarasohn’s fourth mission. “Given that Israel is in a war, plus the disturbing events on college campuses, speaking up for Israel and our safety is crucial,” he said. He met with Senators John Thune, Mike Lee, John Barrasso and Shelley Moore Capito and their staff. “They all seemed on board and ready to vote for all the legislation when it comes time for it,” he said.

Westchester Day School student Jack Goldberg attended his first mission with his father. He explained: “I came to support the strengthening of the America and Israel relationship, understanding it is important to advocate for Israel because they are our strongest ally in the Middle East.” He intends to return next year and stresses that others should also join. “It’s an extremely meaningful and powerful experience to speak to members of the U.S. Congress.”