When you put a seed in the soil, you hope it will grow. It’s only after the fact that your impact becomes clear. This is often the case for advocacy efforts such as those taken up by NORPAC, a nonpartisan Political Action Committee whose primary purpose is to support candidates and sitting members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives who demonstrate a genuine commitment to the strength, security and survival of Israel.
On Wednesday, May 13, 1,500 people volunteered to be part of the annual NORPAC mission and traveled to Washington, DC, to meet with members of Congress and their staffs. The goal of the mission and the central talking point was to voice concern and raise issues regarding the accord with Iran. Volunteers came from all over the tri-state area including Bergenfield, Teaneck, West Orange, Edison, Rockland County, Manhattan and Long Island. Some volunteers came from as far away as Florida.
Congress generally is in agreement about Iran, so how much difference can one person or even a small group make? Dr. Ben Chouake is the president of NORPAC. He believes, “People who go to Washington and speak from the heart can make a difference.” Dr. Chouake says that even one person can make an impact and you never know when or what that impact will be. Helene Shames of Rockland County had a simple reason for joining the mission. “We waited 2,000 years for a Jewish homeland. I don’t want to lose it. I want it here for generations to follow.” She added the situation with Iran is frightening.
Rabbi Uri Goldstein of Ahavat Achim in Fair Lawn has gone on the mission to Washington four times. “I‘m concerned about the safety and security of Israel, and the Iran threat in particular worries me. As US citizens, we have the ability to go to the seat of power and speak to those who will have a crucial impact on Israel and the world.” Rabbi Goldstein is so appreciative of that right that he decided to bring along his son, Shimshon, in order for him to realize he, too, could make a difference. Shimshon said about the mission, “I wanted to make my mark in helping Israel and felt like I did when I met with senators. Even 7th graders can make a difference.” Lesson learned.
Upon reaching Washington, DC, participants took part in a lunch plenary session. Three senators addressed the volunteers. Mark Kirk (R-IL) described himself as “Iran’s least favorite senator.” Robert Menendez (D-NJ) said, “Hope is not a national security session.” Ben Cardin (D-MD) added, “We should never let Israel become a wedge issue.” Two members of the House of Representatives addressed the volunteers. Eliot Engel (D-NY 16th District) said, “Your presence is noticed and very important.” Mark Meadows (D-NY 16th District) advised the volunteers, “Do not be silent when it’s easy to be silent.”
After the plenary session, NORPAC volunteers were bussed over to the Capitol. Before even setting foot on the bus for DC, volunteers had been put into groups and notified which three members of Congress they would be visiting, the members’ office numbers/buildings, and the time of the meeting. Volunteers were also given talking points and other information to review to ensure they felt comfortable addressing the members of Congress and their staff. It’s an impressive effort, considering NORPAC has only one paid staff member.
Walking the halls of House office buildings Rayburn, Canon and Longworth, one might have thought that NORPAC was taking over. If so, one would have been correct. Over the course of the day, NORPAC volunteers visited 90 percent of the members of Congress. The presence of so many volunteers was comforting and inspiring. Debbie Lader of Fair Lawn said, “With 1,500 people attending NORPAC this year, there was a strong feeling of unity.”
With the visits to members of congress completed, it was time to return home and reflect upon the day. Diane Schmeltz of Monsey said of the mission, “It was a very inspiring day and a wonderful learning experience. I hope we made a difference.” Uri Garfunkel of Fair Lawn and an eighth grader at Yavneh Academy said of the trip, “It was a new experience. I learned I can make a difference.”
Time will tell what role Congress will play in any potential agreement with Iran. We can only hope that the seeds planted by those who participated in the NORPAC mission will have an impact. Dr. Chouake believes that this mission was especially important. “We are at a turning point in history. We need to do all we can to make sure every agreement is enforceable and valid.”
By Larry Bernstein
