Helen Freedman and Judy Freedman Kadish, AFSI’s Co-Executive Directors, traveled down to Washington DC on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 for two days of meets and greets with pro-Israel Members of Congress and their supporters.
A gala dinner on Tuesday night, sponsored by EMET, featured founder and leader Sarah Stern, along with a host of honorees. Mark Levin, famed radio and now TV personality, led off the list. He said his first trip to the Holy land, just last year, “actually changed his life”. And he was happy to be present at the opening of the US Embassy in Jerusalem. He was effusive in his praise of Trump’s policies regarding Israel, and labeled the media “disgusting, with blood on its hands,” especially with its coverage of the recent events in Gaza.
The other honorees echoed his sentiments, and it was a welcome experience to be with 400 people, all applauding our President. Senator Tom Scott of South Carolina emphasized the importance of Israel to the US, not only for its technological contributions but as the only democracy in the Middle East. The Senator is a sponsor of the much needed Anti-Semitism Awareness Act.
Starting early Wednesday morning, AFSI’s Co-Executive directors, Helen and Judy, spent the day in discussions on Capitol Hill. The meetings were at the offices of great friends of Israel who sponsor and sign onto legislation that benefits Israel in many ways: Congressmen Ron DeSantis, Lee Zeldin, Pete Roskam, Duncan Hunter and Doug Lamborn. We discussed the travesty of the UNWRA situation and the 3D education the Arab children are receiving, focusing on the demonization, delegitimization, and destruction of Israel. We spoke about the tragedy of the destruction of Netiv HaAvot, that very day, and the fact that Sovereignty would make such actions obsolete. The absurdity of discussing a two-state solution with the PA, an entity dedicated to Israel’s destruction, was also agreed upon. The Taylor Force Act, as well as support for the U.S.-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act of 2018 (House: HR 5141, Senate: S.2497) were also discussed.
The healthy exchange of ideas and information made it clear that AFSI has much to offer in terms of our “facts on the ground” information. We intend to intensify our efforts to convey the benefits of our experiences in Israel to these offices and others on a more regular basis.