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Board Member Scott Howard comments about AIPAC Policy Conference

Guest Comments from VBS Board Member
Scott Howard about AIPAC Policy Conference

Marcie, Daniel, and I were fortunate enough to be able to attend the AIPAC policy conference this past week.  It was truly an amazing experience, and once again I come out of there with the hope that more people who care about Israel will support this tremendous organization.  At the conference, whether you were African American, Latino, gay, transgender, union, orthodox, reform, conservative, progressive, Democratic, Republican, Evangelical or a student leader, we all cared together about one thing:  The relationship between the United States and Israel.

Yes, there were many, many people in their 20’s and 30’s there who support Israel, it was truly cross-generational.  The younger generations’ love for Israel is the same love for Israel that I grew up with, and knowing how Israel is a light upon nations in this world.  The old arguments still are true as to why Israel needs our support.  We are our own worst enemy and we have lost our Jewish homeland before because of civil war among the Jews.  We must make sure that we understand what a gift we have and make sure we do everything we can to never lose that gift.

Because of the leadership of the Rabbis at our synagogue, we sent more people to AIPAC than any other synagogue in the Western United States.  Our synagogues are the backbone of how we can have a voice as a community.

Was anyone aware that IsraAid, an Israeli non profit, was in South Carolina last year helping clean up after the floods? Did they do it for the publicity?  Hard to believe, since there was none. They did it because that is what the people of Israel do. Or that the Mayor of Columbia, South Carolina, an African American, will not allow his city to do business with any Company that boycotts Israel?

Is the lack of peace due to the settlements?  If Israel were to give back everything but the Tel Aviv Hilton, would there be peace.  Of course not, they would bomb the Tel Aviv Hilton.  We are so quick to criticize Israel, yet how often do we praise them for what they have done?  How often do we stand up for Israel?

Were the presidential candidates a distraction?  No question they were, and inappropriate remarks were made.  Those remarks were not condoned by the leadership of AIPAC, nor by those who understand what is our mission.  Our mission is to show support for a strong United States-Israel relationship and not to take a position on candidates for President.  There will always be those who attempt to divide us, but they will fail.

I implore you to watch the video titled Suliamont Children at http://www.policyconference.org/gallery/videos.asp.  There was not a dry eye among the 18,500 people at the Verizon Center about this story of at risk children and what the people of Israel have done for them.  I implore you to join AIPAC and start supporting this incredible group. 

I have been a member of AIPAC since the 8th grade. Watch the other videos and see how Israel is teaching farming in Africa, bringing inexpensive diagnostic tools to detect cervical cancer.  Be amazed. AIPAC for me is not a donation.  It is not an investment.  It is not a duty.  AIPAC is for me a privilege that makes me feel that I am actually doing something that makes a difference.

Thu, March 28 2024 18 Adar II 5784