This past week, eight Central students took a trip to Washington, D.C. to learn by doing. The trip, made in conjunction with Yeshiva University’s Political Action Club (YUPAC), served as a primer to lawmaking from the lobbyist’s perspective. Juniors Samantha Burger, Aviva Kessock, Simona Pitterman, Meira Schuck, Tiferet Tuchman, and Channah Yurovsky, and seniors Leba Fass and Leba Weissman made the journey to the Capitol, accompanied by Central History teacher Mr. Richard Isaacs. Mr. Isaacs spoke to the importance of the trip to Washington.
“I think the students learn how to advocate and even lobby for causes that are dear to them,” said Mr. Isaacs. “Specifically, they learn to lobby on behalf of Israel. But they also learn how to lobby members of Congress.” During an appointment at Capitol Hill, Central students spotted Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia, Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, and Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey. “We went to different lobbying appointments, talking with different congressmen about supporting Israel,” said Leba Weissman. “It was a great experience. We also spoke with Senator Cruz, which was very cool.” Additionally, students visited the headquarters of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) to learn more about AIPAC’s work promoting a strong relationship between the United States and Israel, and particularly about the group’s lobbying efforts with Congress.
