By
Maya Schechter
Arizona Daily Wildcat
17 UA students join nearly 2,000 supporters of American, Israeli relationship
WASHINGTON, D.C. - UA students took their political passion across the country this week to lobby Arizona and federal representatives for one of their biggest concerns - the Middle East peace process.
Yesterday's visit to Capitol Hill concluded a three-day conference attended by 17 University of Arizona students and one faculty fellow.
The conference was hosted by AIPAC - American Israel Public Affairs Committee - an organization that lobbies for a strong political and economic relationship between the United States and Israel.
More than 800 students, representing college campuses from 44 states, along with about 1,000 adults, came together to learn about recent issues facing Israel and what they can do to help outside the country.
The UA students had the opportunity to meet with Republican Sen. John McCain, and Rep. Jim Kolbe, R-Tucson, and encourage them to vote for pro-Israel bills and extension acts.
McCain said he was "confident this Congress will stand behind Israel in her time of need."
He also commended the students for taking a stand on something that strikes both a political and religious nerve.
"It's hard to get young people into politics, (so) I am very pleased when I see students out here lobbying because much of my campaign's focus is on the future," he added.
Jacob Hall, president of Wildpac - the UA-recognized branch of AIPAC - said he came to Washington to let his voice be heard within Congress.
"Students need to get out there and vote, the more we do, the greater impact we will have in the political arena," said Hall, a biochemistry and Judaic studies junior.
"Some people are intimidated at first but as long as they are confident in their cause and believe in pursuing it then they'll be more comfortable," he added.
After speaking with Kolbe, Eli Hammerman, a political science and Judaic studies senior, said he thought students became motivated to be more involved in politics.
"It's a hands-on experience and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Hammerman said. "You're literally going to your congressmen and telling them how to vote on a bill."
The conference also included special addresses by Sen. Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell and Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel, who spoke against the violence in the Middle East.
Newly-elected Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon also spoke Monday night, emphasizing that the students should visit and actively show their support for Israel.
UA's Hillel Foundation helped pay for the students' trip to Washington. Along with private sponsors, the foundation was able to partially subsidize the cost of the trip.
"Hillel thought it was important to make it possible for students to go because we promote sticking to a cause and pursuing it," said Abby Gerstein, Jewish Campus Service Corps Diamond Family Fellow at Hillel.
"The U of A has been recognized for having such a strong turnout - it shows that our students know what they want and have found a way to get it."
