Last week, I had the opportunity to join a delegation of 24 House Democrats on an educational seminar in Israel sponsored by AIEF – the charitable organization affiliated with AIPAC.
The group included House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Former Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar.
For most of the participants, this was their first experience in Israel. It was their introduction to the spirit of the Israeli people, the remarkable history of the land, and the tangible ways in which the U.S.-Israel relationship benefits both countries.
The trip also provided a firsthand look into the serious security challenges Israel faces on every border.
Members were briefed by senior IDF officers and toured Israel’s borders with Gaza and Lebanon to learn about the pressing security threats from Iranian-backed terrorists. They met with residents in communities who endure rocket fire and are forced to overcome the trauma of terrorism. And they learned about the emerging threat of a multi-front war orchestrated by Iran that would see Israel’s population attacked from multiple directions at once.
The takeaway for these members was clear: The work Congress does to strengthen our partnership with Israel will only be more vital in an increasingly dangerous world.
This was also a unique moment to be in Israel as the impassioned debate over judicial reform legislation continues.
Members heard directly from Israeli leadership at the highest levels – including from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz, and President Isaac Herzog, who is spearheading the effort to forge compromise.
Each conversation included in-depth discussions about the key elements driving the judicial reform debate. Members had the chance to ask questions and engage in a comprehensive dialogue with the decision-makers.
The group also spoke about these issues with Israeli citizens, who opened their homes for Shabbat dinner on Friday night. Many of these hosts have participated regularly in the demonstrations and shared their perspectives with the members of Congress.
The delegation came away with a deeper understanding of the issues, a greater appreciation for Israel’s vibrant democracy, and a recognition that even amid intense debate, Israelis are united about the security threats they must confront.
In a few weeks, these members will return to Capitol Hill. They will immediately be confronted with a range of legislative asks and issues well beyond the U.S.-Israel relationship. But thanks to the experience they had last week, the group will return educated, engaged, and prepared to help advance our mission.
The mission of AIPAC is to encourage and persuade the U.S. government to enact specific policies that create a strong, enduring and mutually beneficial relationship with our ally Israel.
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