I would like to send my deepest thanks to AIPAC, the Jewish Federation, and Chalon L’atid for the wonderful opportunity given to me in going to the AIPAC Policy Conference. This experience was of the upmost surprise to me in the effect it had on me, the quality and quantity for the speakers and attendees, especially students, and the lobbying experience. The sessions provided were very intriguing and opened my eyes to various perspectives on the Israeli American relationship, as well as allowing me to view and take part of bipartisan, educated conversations. The friends I made on this trip will remain with me for years to come and I am so glad that we were able to experience this program together, building memories and learning about the country that we love in a very hospitable and tolerant environment. This vastly expanded my political intellect, of which I was already very knowledgeable in due to my aspirations in the professional field, and even increased my interest in Israeli policy and issues. The lobbying opportunity allowed me to meet, talk, and take pictures with my heroes in Congress, such as Congresswoman Nita Lowie, who I have always idolized as a great political figure. In all aspects, this experience was amazing beyond my expectations and belief, and for that I thank the organizations and funds that allowed me to take this trip, and I hope that I will be able to do this again.
Many thanks,
Eric Zalcman
11th grade student, Congregation Beth Shalom of The Woodlands
I am so grateful for the opportunity given to me with Chalon L’atid. The experiences I had and the people I met really inspired me. All of the people who spoke at AIPAC had a unique message to share about how we as everyday citizens can make a big impact on politics. It was such an amazing trip and I loved all of the people that I got to meet. Coming back from the trip I feel really connected to my relationship with Israel and the politics of America. Some of my favorite parts of the conference were the people that I met. Having a commonplace for Jewish youth was a really meaningful experience for me.
I’m so thankful for all of the amazing opportunities that AIPAC and the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston have presented for me. I would also like to thank Marna Meyer, Helen Richard, and Michael Duke for all of their hard work and their amazing talent of keeping our group under control. This trip was truly an eye-opening experience and I hope to make the trip again next year.
Sophie Himelstein
11th grade student, Congregation Beth Shalom of The Woodlands
Shalom! I am fortunately back home safe from AIPAC and I just want to say the thank you that the Jewish Federation deserves due to them willing to sponsor the Chalon L’atid program and funding my trip to Washington D.C., as well as many other Jewish teenagers. The Jewish Federation’s desire to help teenagers like us is very admirable. I’d also like to thank Helen Richard, the Chalon L’atid Direction, and Marna Meyer for setting up everything and chaperoning us to make sure that we all had a great time in the trip and to have us experience and be educated. My favorite part of the trip was the Monday morning General Session where prominent politicians such as Bloomberg and Pence spoke about how they support the Pro-Israel cause and how they’ll do as much as they can to help us Jewish people have a safe place to call home. My second favorite unrelated moments would be just simply being with the other teenage delegates and getting to know each other, such as us going to a store just to look around and talk. I truly believe that the trip has opened my mind to other ideas and has expanded my knowledge on the topic of Israel. The few hours spent in the AIPAC Village was also very helpful for me to learn about the new technologies and advancements that Israel was helping bring to the world, letting me learn that Israel is not just a lone Jewish state but a very possible strong ally that can help better the world. An experience I had that really changed me seeing all political views go up on stage and agree together on one single cause, showing me that politicians are people like us too and that there are some ideas that transcend the political stage and unto a clearly moral stage.
Issachar Conde
12th grade student, Congregation Or Ami
First of all we want to thank the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston for sponsoring and funding Chalon L’atid program. Thank you Helen Richard, Chalon L’atid Director, and thank to Marna Meyer from the Federation for coordination and staffing the trip for this wonderful experience for our son, Issachar Conde.
Issachar came very happy and excited about his days in the AIPAC conference; he said that now he understands the importance of having a country for all the Jewish people, and the importance of the support from all the Jews around the world. We love to see that bright in his eyes sharing some of his new experiences.
As parents we feel happy that those days made him see the importance of stand all together in order to build a better world and to keep helping our beloved land Israel.
Thank you again for this amazing experience given to our kid.
Luis Conde and Lilia Medina
Issachar’s parents
Congregation Or Ami
I am so grateful for the opportunity I had this weekend to go to AIPAC. The people I was able to meet where all so educated and truly inspired me to be more active in the community. The information that I was able to learn was all very interesting and helped me to better understand where I stand on the topic of Israel. I am very grateful to have been given the chance to travel to D.C. to participate in this conference. Some of my favorite parts of the conference where being surrounded by several teens my age who all had the common goal of protecting Israel, and the chance to better educate myself on the topic. I greatly enjoyed getting to lobby with my peers and getting to see so many important people who stood behind our cause, such as, Ted Cruz and the USA Vice President. I sincerely thank you for allowing me to go to this conference and hope to come again next year. I would like to personally thank the Jewish Federation of greater Houston for finding and sponsoring our Chalon L’atid program, Helen Richard, Marna Meyer and Michael for coming with us on the trip and supporting and guiding us along the way.
Sara Himelstein
11th grade student, Congregation Beth Shalom of The Woodlands
Firstly I just wanted to say a very deep and sincere thanks to the Jewish Federation for allowing us to go to this year’s annual AIPAC conference in Washington DC. I feel like I have benefited greatly from going and I now have a much better grasp on the American Israeli relationship and its importance to both countries. I attended all of the general sessions and listened to all of the speakers. I especially enjoyed Chuck Schumer and Cory Bookers speeches, but it was a nice dose of star strike to see the Vice President and Presidents of many other countries like The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Colombia, and Estonia.
Going Into AIPAC I expected a one-sided, three-day, promotional add for a select political ideas, but it was very surprising and good to see that AIPAC prides itself on being bipartisan. Thank you, Jewish Federation, for making it possible for us to go on this trip.
With best Regards,
Eythan Karp
12th grade student, Congregation Beth Shalom of The Woodlands
I am very thankful for the opportunity I’ve had this weekend to go to AIPAC. All the people I talked to were very educated and friendly. The information that I was able to learn was all very informative and helped me to better understand where I stand on the topic of the Israeli American relationship. I’m very grateful to have been given the chance to travel to D.C. to participate in this conference. Some of my favorite parts of the conference where being surrounded by several teens my age who all had the common goal of better understanding Israel, and the chance to better educate myself on the topic. I greatly enjoyed getting to lobby with my peers and getting to see so many important people who stood behind our cause, such as, ted Cruz and the Vice President. I sincerely thank you for allowing me to go to this conference. I would also like to personally thank the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston for finding and sponsoring our Chalon L’atid program, Helen Richard, Marna Meyer and Michael for coming with us and supporting and guiding us along the way.
Thank you again,
Marisa Himelstein
12th grade student, Congregation Beth Shalom of The Woodlands