“The ZOA mission to Washington D.C. was one of the best lobbying programs on
behalf of Israel I have ever been to. The presentation by members of Congress in
the Senate Office Building was remarkable, and to witness the support for Israel,
especially in the office visits, was quite heartwarming. Keep up the great work,
ZOA!” – Harvey Finkelstein, Dix Hills
64
Cheney, Middle East specialist Raymond
Ibrahim, Dr. Jason D. Hill, professor of philosophy
at DePaul University, and Special
Assistant to the President of the United States
Dr. Paul Teller, all spoke passionately about
the U.S.-Israel alliance and the very real need
to fight anti-Semitism wherever it is found.
For others, the ZOA advocacy mission
began the following day at 6:00 a.m. in
dark and rainy weather. But that didn’t stop
a spirited group of Long Islanders from
boarding a bus to Washington, D.C., ZOA’s
talking points in tow. They were about to
join over 200 ZOA activists for the one-day
advocacy mission. Amid breakfast and lively
conversation, ZOA advocates watched a
training video and learned about the issues
ZOA would be discussing with lawmakers.
After five and a half hours on the road, eager
and excited ZOA advocates were welcomed
at a delicious congressional luncheon, joined
by over 30 lawmakers from both houses of
Congress, Republicans and Democrats, who
addressed the ZOA delegation.
Among the congressional speakers was
Long Island’s own Lee Zeldin (R-NY), Congressman
from New York’s 1st District. Rep.
Zeldin is a staunch advocate for Israel and
a friend of the ZOA. House Resolution 72
combatting anti-Israel hatred and anti-Semitism,
introduced by Zeldin, was one of the
resolutions that ZOA was urging lawmakers
to cosponsor.
After the luncheon, we disbursed to our
respective meetings with senators, House
members, and congressional aides, urging
them to confront the growing anti-Semitism
on college campuses and in Congress, and to
advocate for a strong stance against Iran with
regard to attaining military nuclear capability.
Mike Miller, a constituent from Brooklyn,
reflected on the experience and said, “I am
inspired by being in a roomful of like-minded
activists. I enjoy hearing from new and old
friends in Congress. It is a great opportunity
to make our legislative priorities known, and
to let those in agreement know that we have
their backs.” Harvey Finkelstein, a supporter
from Dix Hills, said, “The ZOA mission
to Washington, D.C. was one of the best
lobbying programs on behalf of Israel I have
ever been to. The presentation by members
of Congress in the Senate office building
was remarkable, and to witness the support
for Israel, especially in the office visits, was
quite heartwarming. Keep up the great work,
ZOA!”
“I am inspired
by being in a
roomful of likeminded
activists.
I enjoy hearing
from new and
old friends in
Congress. It is a
great opportunity
to make our
legislative
priorities known,
and to let those in
agreement know
that we have their
backs.”
- Mike Miller,
Brooklyn
Regional Director of Long Island and NY
Metro Associate Director Deborah Peretz
and ZOA Long Island supporters with Rep.
Crenshaw (R-TX)
Deborah Peretz with Rep. Zeldin (R-NY)
and ZOA supporters