One of the biggest issues occupying the time and attention of many pro-Israel advocates over the past two years had been the concerted efforts to try to convince Congress not to approve President Barack Obama’s Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (“JCPOA”), more commonly known as the Iran Deal. While the efforts did not lead to the result that was hoped for, the work was not in vain. The work done by NORPAC and other groups dragged the issue into the public spotlight in an unprecedented way and also paved the path for current anti-terrorism bills like renewed missile sanctions.
While the Iran Deal episode stung members of the pro-Israel advocacy community, Chouake explains, “In life sometimes those closest to you, your friends and family, make decisions you don’t agree with. Does that mean you cut them off completely and never speak again? No, you express your disagreement and you move on.”
Schreiber elaborated on this point: “Some of those who signed off on the JCPOA were, and continue to be, great friends of Israel.” While he says it is important to not pretend that the Iran Deal decision didn’t happen, Schreiber agrees with Chouake that the way forward is not to cut ties with those who voted contrary to the way the pro-Israel community would have liked.
“It can be tempting to act like a child and have a tantrum,” he says, “but [advocacy] is about protecting Israel and maintaining the relationships for the future when Israel needs them most.”
The Mission to Washington can serve as an incredible opportunity for members of the pro-Israel community – and their children – to have a powerful first-hand civics lesson, and many of the mission attendees take advantage of the opportunity to offer their children the unique exposure to our national government that the mission offers. Steinberg explains that participation in NORPAC at a young age has helped all three of his children develop their leadership skills which will undoubtedly serve them well throughout their lives.
“For a young man or woman to be able to walk into a meeting with a member of Congress and talk to them in a sophisticated way about important issues is just the best civics lesson you can give a school-aged child.”
The biggest take-away from the NORPAC experience is that every single individual has it within them to make an actual difference in issues that matter to us all. Everyone from around the country is encouraged to reach out and become a part of NORPAC. Whether it is participating in one of the many fundraising efforts, or attending the eye-opening mission to Washington, involvement in NORPAC is an experience that pays dividends both for the individual and for the land of Israel.