By Shoshana Fisher
Last year, the night before the Yeshiva University Political Action Club’s (YUPAC) annual D.C. Mission, YU hosted an unrelated night of unity for Israel, and one of the speakers was Jon Polin, Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s father. While speaking to YU, he mentioned the upcoming YUPAC mission to D.C. by name and encouraged us to continue to advocate, especially for the hostages still held. He asked us not to let the politicians on the hill forget his son.
A year later, as we embarked on the 2025 Mission to Washington, we went acutely aware that bringing Hersh home was no longer a lobbying point we could address. To those we advocate for, what YUPAC does makes a difference, and the importance of involving oneself in tzarchei tzibur (helping the community) is obvious, now more than ever. We are shlichim (emissaries) for all those who cannot advocate for themselves, and we represent people in a number far greater than ourselves.
So why could we not fill our seats for this year’s Mission to Washington?
Last year’s trip was a resounding success, and this year’s was as well. Attendees met with over 40 Congressional offices and heard from three Congressmen. We lobbied for legislation that is important to us as a community and shared both our passion and personal stakes with decision makers at the highest level. On paper and in actuality, the YUPAC D.C. trip is among the most impactful events a club hosts, putting a definitive capstone on YUPAC’s work all year. So why did students choose not to come? I do not claim to have the answer, which is no doubt a combination of many multifaceted reasons, but I would like to pose two suggestions.
In a year where political polarization has reached extremes, such attitudes have seeped into the YU campus in the form of opinion articles and group chats. Being involved in politics has never been particularly popular; people tend to stay away from polarizing stances, and after the rollercoaster election cycle we just experienced, shying away from a trip to D.C. and interactions with politicians is understandable. This is an attitude that permeates interaction with students at YUPAC tabling, event promotion and initiatives. People try their utmost to avoid the contentious nature of politics, but that avoidance quickly turns into apathy and uninvolvement.
While at first, staying out of situations and conversations that could lead to arguments may seem admirable (and I do agree that there is merit in taking a step back from the obsessive nature some people tend to have surrounding it) complete detachment from the democratic process is foolish.
Some ideals and values are worth advocating for in every arena, even those you may feel uncomfortable in. It is irresponsible to ignore a pathway to support Israel and the Jewish community just for fear of politics. It is our duty to fight for ourselves and those we care about, while some do it at a far higher price. To put it unfairly and dramatically, if people can give their lives in support of their people, you can contact your representative to make sure they have the weapons they need to do it.
For generations, Jews have fought for their future and security, and now we have the opportunity to do so openly and proudly, demanding the representation we are owed in a democracy. What a zechus (privilege) it is to put aside our personal opinions and contentions to involve ourselves in tzarchei tzibur.
I believe there is another reason for the decreased size of the trip, and that answer is reflective of a problem that, if left unchecked, can be deadly for our people. Caring is hard. It is painful. It takes an active effort to force oneself not to let the tragic become mundane. Since October 7, the hour of the Jewish people’s greatest need in our generation, there has been an overwhelming amount of hurt that we have a duty to feel. This, unfortunately, has desensitized us. Baruch Hashem, the tragedies have slowed and no longer hit us at a whirlwind pace.
We are not where we were as a community in October of 2023, but that does not mean we can be any less vigilant and protective than we were then. We must ensure that our commitment to our family in Israel does not wane as the days stretch into months and years.
I have been incredibly privileged this past year to work with some of the most talented and passionate people I have ever met. People whose devotion to Am Yisrael is inspiring, and people who are at no risk of the apathy or disengagement that I have mentioned.
My position as Co-President of YUPAC has given me a glimpse into the difference between people like that and people who are not motivated in the same way, and the difference between them is stark. No matter one’s skills or talents, the singular defining factor a person needs to succeed is passion. Our community needs that passion to burn bright, and we need to actively stoke that fire to ensure it rages on; it cannot be allowed to peter out.
I truly hope we, as a YU community, can engage meaningfully in advocacy for the sake of those who need support, and that we do not shy away from any manifestation of that goal, political or otherwise. In a devise time, there are issues we can universally, as Jews, rally behind, and make our politics united and empowering, rather than divisive.
We must continue to be passionate about issues that truly matter and remain driven, no matter how long it takes. “Lo alecha hamlacha ligmor, velo ata ben chori libatel mimena” (It is not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you at liberty to neglect it).
I thank those who have worked so hard to accomplish what YUPAC has done this year, and I wish all the best to the people whose role it is to lead it next year.
Photo Caption: Congressmen Ritchei Torres speaking with YU students on YUPAC’s 2025 D.C. Mission
Photo Credit: YUPAC / Yeshiva University