Max Webb

My experience in D.C. truly shaped me as an individual. My Tikkun Group had been challenged with the task of tackling the issues surrounding Israel, the Palestinian conflict, Iran’s nuclear threat, and US-Israeli relations. During the first weeks of camp, we studied up on our issues, analyzing the many view points of the conflicts.

On the first day of our trip we visited two organizations, AIPAC (The American Israel Public Affairs Committee), and J-street, a newer pro-Israel lobby in the US. Both organizations taught us so much about Israel and leadership.

The next day, we met with the staffers of two US congressmen, Ted Deutch from Florida, and Ed Royce of California. Through the meetings I learned what it looks like to truly be a leader in our country. These people were actually going out in the real world and making a difference. It was truly inspiring. After weeks of learning, we were finally able to put our leadership skills to work, and we lobbied for more Israel advocacy in Congress. I don’t know how many teens get to do this, and afterward I felt like I really made a difference. On top of all our meetings, we also spent a lot of time exploring D.C.

Washington, D.C. is an amazing city. Everywhere you looked, there were world famous historic landmarks. We were learning to be leaders in a city filled with hundreds of years of leadership. How cool is that?! Coming out of D.C., I feel like I have grown as a person. Now I feel extremely confident, that in any leadership position, I can hold my own and truly make a difference in the world.