Last Friday, TABC’s juniors and seniors had the special opportunity to hear from Rabbi Aryeh Lightstone. Rabbi Lightstone is the former regional director of NCSY’s New York chapter and in 2017 was appointed as an advisor to the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, during which time he had direct involvement in the Abraham Accords. Rabbi Lightstone gave an inside look at the relationship between Israel and America and what it was like being treated as an American vs. an Israeli in Arab countries as they negotiated the Abraham Accords. He shared an anecdote about not partaking in the celebratory meal in the palace after the Accords and how many of the Arab leaders expressed their respect and admiration for his steadfast commitment to kashrut. He encouraged the students to always be proud of who they are and stay true to themselves and their beliefs, no matter where life takes them.
