Jam-packed mission to Washington, D.C.

What can be accomplished during a day-and-a-half trip to our nation’s capital? On April 30 and May 1, a delegation of Rhode Islanders, as part of the Community Relations Council Washington D.C. Mission, will find out.

Upon arriving in Washington D.C., the mission delegation will meet with nationally recognized policy analysts and former congressmen to gain insight into issues facing the government, from healthcare and the Middle East, to the economy and other domestic concerns.

The mission will then visit the White House compound where they are scheduled to meet White House staff members at the historic Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The staff, which includes the president’s Jewish Affairs liaison, will explain a number of issues including Israel and the Middle East as well as domestic affairs and matters facing the Jewish community nationally. Then it is on to the Israeli Embassy to meet with key consulate staff members. Discussions will most likely center on the peace negotiations as well as other current topics facing Israel.

The next day begins with a tour of the Holocaust Memorial Museum. The museum is a living memorial to the Holocaust, inspiring citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred and prevent genocide. The visit comes just days after Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Capitol Hill is the setting for lunch with elected officials and dignitaries. After lunch, participants will meet with R.I.’s congressional delegation. This will provide an opportunity to discuss issues that are important to the community. Time permitting, a visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial will be included before departing for R.I.

The purpose of the Mission to Washington D.C. is to increase Jewish advocacy in greater Rhode Island and to increase our presence with congressional delegations.

What can be done in a day and a half in our nation’s capital?  The answer – a lot of learning about current issues and taking that knowledge to provide much needed advocacy for the Jewish community.

There is still time to register for this outstanding mission. You are invited to make an impact and advocate for change.

For more information or to register, call 401-421-4111, send an email to mcooper@jewishallianceri.org or go online at http://www.jewishallianceri.org/mission-washington-d-c/.

MARTY COOPER is the Community Relations Director for the Jewish Alliance.