AIPAC Early engagement director Adam Harris tells teens attending the weekly Latte and Learn how they can make their voices heard.

JEWISH REVIEW

Teens invited to AIPAC summit

By JEWISH REVIEW

article created on: 2008-10-01T00:00:00

After hearing about the impact their voices can have, eight Portland teens signed up to attend the AIPAC High School Summit in Washington, D.C., Nov. 9-11.

High schoolers from around the Portland Metro area at NCSY’s Sept. 18 Latte and Learn at the Multnomah Starbucks listened to AIPAC Early Engagement Director Adam Harris talk about Israel, how to get involved in politics and the power of a teen’s voice. Following the Latte and Learn presentation, interested teens and parents met with Harris at the Portland Kollel to learn more about the November Summit.

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee will pay all conference expenses, excluding transportation, for six to 12 teens from each participating city. NCSY advisor Meira Spivak said that Portland could still take a couple more interested teens if they contact her at 503-757-3037 right away.

“This is an amazing opportunity for juniors and seniors interested in involvement in politics,” said Spivak.

In a letter about the summit, Harris wrote: “Through the High School Summit, AIPAC identifies and mentors high school students from across the country who are considering academic, internship and career tracks in the arenas of politics, public policy, media and Israel advocacy. Student activists will have the opportunity to learn about the issues affecting Israel first-hand, how they can be the most effective pro-Israel political activists and how they can help build the pro-Israel community on and beyond the campus.”

Spivak said that many teens already signed up for the summit are also attending the NCSY Shabbaton in Seattle Nov. 7 and 8. She said she will fly with those teens directly from Seattle to Washington, D.C. for the Summit. Other teens may fly alone from Portland to D.C. and meet the Portland contingent there, she said.