Midreshet Shalhevet High School students were learning, touring and lobbying in Washington, D.C.

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Midreshet Shalhevet High School students, seniors Aviva Marmer and Sarah Austin and juniors Sarah Spielman and Nava Yastrab, along with faculty advisor coach Ilona Diamond, attended the Schusterman American Israel Public Affairs Committee High School summit in Washington, D.C. from Oct. 29-31.
“It was rewarding to watch how my students enjoyed and learned so much from this experience,” Diamond said.
The students learned about Israel’s relationship with the U.S., and how the Jewish state needs people to be supportive of its policies and existence. The girls were provided with information that could help them make informed arguments regarding Hezbollah, Iran, and the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement.
“I felt like I was really informed about the American-Israel Relationship, and I learned a lot that I hadn’t known before,” Spielman said.
The girls heard stories from peers and advisers about why they’re passionate about Israel and why it’s important to take a stand against hate. The students lobbied at Congresswoman Kathleen Rice’s office and with other schools and programs spoke to a representative about these issues.
“Lobbying Congress was such a unique experience and I’m so thankful AIPAC gave me this experience and tools that I can use later in life,” Austin said.
Sight-seeing was also part of the whirlwind tour, including visiting the Washington Monument, White House and the World War II Memorial.