In the midst of world conflicts and struggles, students forget how much of a difference they can make. Often students don’t realize how simply being involved with a group in or around campus can have a significant impact on others, including members of the community.
Such a group has opened its arms to those students who are interested in providing an open dialogue for the assessment and understanding of the long-standing conflict in the Middle East. More importantly, this group is dedicated to preserving the special relationship that exists between the United States of America and Israel.
As brothers and sisters in democracy, American Israel Public Affairs Committee provides a way for youth to become a part of something that really works towards peace and democracy in the free world. Members from the Hillel house, including myself, acting as a delegate from the College Republicans, traveled to Washington, D.C., the weekend of May 14-16 in order to discuss how best to inform and educate others about policy in the Middle East. Students from Oregon assembled the largest delegation ever from the state. This number of students from Oregon, more specifically the University, truly demonstrates that, contrary to popular belief, this generation is not as apathetic as some might think.
It is very encouraging to see such strong support for a cause from fellow students. If we are to hope for a better tomorrow, we need to start planning today. Ronald Reagan often spoke about the idea of peace through strength. In a similar fashion, I feel that with the strength of the students of today we can work towards peace for tomorrow. AIPAC supports the goal that all who desire to can live in freedom such as we are so privileged to do so everyday.