Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the 2014 AIPAC Policy Conference, on March 4, 2014. Photo: Algemeiner.

JNS.org – The following essay, written by 14-year-old Adam Hoffman of Houston, won Hoffman a scholarship to attend the 2015 America Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Policy Conference in Washington, DC, which will take place March 1-3. Hoffman is a 9th grader studying at the Robert M. Beren Academy.

It is not just because I am a Jew, freedom lover, or an admirer of Israel’s trailblazing accomplishments that I consider myself a Zionist. Being an American, I believe that I have the duty and obligation to promote the ideas of liberty and justice. These virtues are just a couple of the shared values between the United States and Israel. Their relationship is a crucial one for both countries and it’s essential that it continues to thrive.

The countries’ partnership serves both well. On a diplomatic level, America is always at the Jewish State’s side, an unfortunately uncommon stance in today’s hostile world, and Israel returns the favor. Israel also acts a strategic ally and foothold for the United States in a vicious region and enjoys having a major world power as her ally. The United States provides much need monetary assistance and military help. Israel shares everything from her cutting-edge technology to their military intelligence. The two nations benefit tremendously from their cooperation in all sectors.

As a supporter of this alliance, I am also a supporter of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which converts the love for Israel among Americans into real governmental policy. Their dedicated staff work tirelessly to muster up support for Israel on Capitol Hill and at the White House. In addition, this special committee stimulates warmth for the Jewish State by showing its true face in order to properly defend it from blatant lies. The committee also displays ways to use these tools of truth effectively. Though AIPAC provides these tools, it is up to individuals to utilize them.

At AIPAC’s national Policy Conference, I would absorb the information and carry it away with me. I would build upon my current knowledge of Israeli affairs with even more crucial points. More importantly, I would utilize this data to defend Israel. This includes justifying Israel’s legitimacy to defiers of truth, speaking out against lies directed towards the Jewish State, and debating attackers of the Jews. Whether it is defending Israel on social media or attending a pro-Israel event, I am already trying to work in benefit of the counties’ courtship. By going to the policy conference, I would seal my commitment to the State of Israel. It would give me a sense of responsibility to make the case for Israel. I wouldn’t just hear the speeches, but I would be inspired by them and act upon my renewed dedication to the Jewish State. Attending the conference wouldn’t be a single event in my life. Rather, its information will be instilled in me for life.

I have a passion for politics and a love for Israel. The AIPAC national Policy Conference would not only be a great place for me to quench my devotion to the organization, but also a place where I’d be able to learn. I would fully appreciate, enjoy, and use the knowledge that I’d gain from this special opportunity. This is an event which I would dream of going to and would love to have the privilege of attending.