By Chloe Baker, Features Editor
4:30 AM is not a college student’s average wake up time, but on April 10, 2024, 150 Yeshiva University students loaded buses at this hour and attended their second Yeshiva University Political Action Club (YUPAC) mission of the year. The goal of the mission was clear to students from the forefront. “YUPAC came tasked with a mission from Rachel and Jon Polin, ‘never let them forget what day of the war it is,’” said Fayga Pinczower (SCW ‘26). YU Students did just that.
Typically, the annual YUPAC lobbying mission takes place in April, but due to the unprecedented Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, the club sent a delegation of students to lobby in November. While students continued to lobby for pro-Israel legislation on this trip, the primary goal of the day was for students to emphasize their thanks to pro-Israel politicians, and encourage them to keep supporting the State. Additionally, students also highlighted to politicians the need for a hostage deal and spoke about the experience of Jewish college students worldwide at this time, amongst other things. “The mission’s ultimate goal was rooted in meaning and purpose,” said Talia Hazan (SCW ‘26). “As Jewish students who embody the values of Torah, it was only proper for us to express our Hakarat Hatov (gratitude) to the members of congress who constantly show their support.”
The day began with lobbying appointments and then a talk from Senator John Fetterman on the steps of Capitol Hill. Following appointments, students were treated to a tour of the U.S. Capitol building, where they were able to see what goes on behind the scenes on The Hill. The tour was a once in a lifetime experience. Students got to go through the tunnels in the basement as well as see the old parts of the Senate.
During lobbying appointments, students met with congressional staffers and discussed the pressing issues facing the Jewish people today. Students weren’t just stating facts or statistical information, but rather sharing their own stories and experiences as young Jewish adults in the 21st century. “Telling them about our own stories really impacted them [the staffers],” said Hayley Geiger (SCW ‘26). “It helped them see the importance of standing with Israel and the Jewish people.”
After the first round of appointments and the tour, students then had the chance to hear from U.S. Congressman Josh Gottenheimer, from New Jersey’s fifth district, and Congressman Brian Mast, from Florida’s 21st district. Gottenheimer, a democrat, and Mast, a republican, are both staunch supporters of Israel. After speaking, Gottenheimer and Mast shared a hug and fistpump.
“You were able to see there’s a relationship there and they have love for each other. They both said [the war in Israel [is] a bipartisian issue, and they work together on it,” said Allie Orgen (SCW ‘24). “We are starting to see a lot of the toxicity developing in politics and a lot of pointing across the aisle. For us to be able to experience a genuine moment like that was very inspiring,” she explained.
After hearing from Gottenheimer and Mast, students continued onto another round of lobbying appointments, and had some free time on Capitol Hill to explore and continue showing thanks to Pro-Israel politicians. “It was so encouraging and uplifting to see such genuine support and moral clarity,” said Tuvi Weil (SCW ‘26). This trip showed students that although Jews may seem and feel alone in the international community, and within American politics, there are still many staunch supporters of the Jewish state. For the students, it’s easy to get caught up in all of the negativity that they see on social media and in their own backyard of New York City. While in D.C., being reminded that not everyone is like that was both refreshing and reassuring for them.
The lobbying appointments not only gave students the opportunity to voice their concerns and ask questions, but to also experience real political advocacy. “The YUPAC trip showed me advocacy is actually simple and just talking or calling up politicians makes a real difference,” said Ayelet Siev (SCW ‘26). Advocacy isn’t something so far fetched and distant. It’s within arms length. It just has to be sought out. The students did an amazing job of seeking out this opportunity. This was not only shown through the strong attendance, but also through the thought and care that went into the words that were said and questions that were asked by students in the appointments, and throughout the entire day.
Before the day concluded, students were welcomed to the AIPAC Office in D.C. for dinner and to learn about further advocacy opportunities. Then, the bus pulled out of D.C. and started the trip back to the city. The day was a great success, and provided students with unforgettable experiences, and stories to tell their children one day when they ask “what did you do for the war effort?” Not only did the students enjoy themselves, but the politicians did as well. In an Instagram post from Senator John Fetterman, he said the students from YU are “always welcome back to my office!”
Photo Credit: Zoey Botnick