Elected officials Support Israel at Student Leadership Gala

Elected officials helped raise awareness and support regarding America’s relationship with Israel Sunday night at the annual Rutgers Leadership Gala, sponsored by the Rutgers Israel Public Affairs Committee (RIPAC). Attended by leaders from almost 40 organizations on campus, the event helped organize the efforts on campus to strengthen that relationship.

Among those who spoke were keynote speaker and New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez, New Jersey Congressman Frank Pallone, a representative for New Jersey Congressman Rush Holt and Consul for Public Diplomacy at the Consulate General of Israel Gil Lainer. Senator Menendez spoke of the importance of a strong U.S. - Israel relationship and about the dangers of a nuclear-armed Iran for both countries. The Senator gave a detailed history of the Jewish people living in the land that is now Israel and said that Israel is important to him both as a Christian and as an American, “Israel is a beacon of democracy in the Middle East, and must remain strong. And it needs the continued support of all Americans, not just Jewish Americans.” Congressman Pallone, Congressman Holt and Israeli Consul Gil Lainer addressed Israel’s importance to America and Pallone urged students to be active and involved.

Senator Menendez at the leadership gala  (photo by Jake  Binstein)

            “It was effective to hear congressmen speak about their love for Israel and the importance of Israel as Americans,” said RIPAC President Julia Cinnamon. Cinnamon said that student leaders were able to both learn about the U.S. –Israel relationship and develop connections with other students at the event. “I think that it [the event] allowed students to realize that Israel is not only a Jewish issue, but an American issue.”

            

Raffi Mark, current Israel Chair and upcoming President of Rutgers Hillel, urged the audience to consider the importance of the U.S. – Israel relationship in light of the Iran threat and to unite on the issue. “Now is the time to work together and be a part of something bigger than ourselves.” The leadership gala concluded when Rutgers students sign a the following statement of support to the American-Israel alliance:

“As a Rutgers Student Leader, I support the U.S. – Israel Relationship. I recognize that Israel is a vital partner to the U.S. not only because of technological and strategic importance, but also shared values, interests, and democracy. I support the U.S. – Israel relationship as it is an investment in our future.” read a petition signed by most in attendance.

           

The Rutgers Leadership Gala 2012: United We Stand took place at the Cook Campus Center.

Written by Ariel Lubow. Ariel is a School of Arts and Sciences sophomore majoring in Journalism & Media Studies and Jewish Studies.