NCJW 2024 Government Relations and Advocacy (GR&A) fall interns, Skyler Sieradzky and Ella Rubinstein, went to Capitol Hill to advocate for the Countering Antisemitism Act. This bill would implement and codify the landmark National Strategy to Combat Antisemitism and ensure every branch of the government is carrying out its responsibilities set out in the strategy. 

From New Jersey and a recent graduate from George Washington University, Skyler met with the staff of Senator Cory Booker and Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton. Ella, from Illinois and studying at American University, met with staff from the offices of Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth and Representative Brad Schnider. Together, with the Director of GR&A Darcy Hirsh, and Associate Director of GR&A Talya Steinberg, they shared their personal experiences with antisemitism and urged their members to pass the Countering Antisemitism Act as soon as possible.

Skyler and Ella each had the opportunity to share how antisemitism has impacted their lives and their communities, and specifically shared harrowing stories of the antisemitism they have faced while at college. By connecting their experiences to the urgency of passing the Countering Antisemitism Act, they highlighted the importance of protecting Jewish students and all Jewish communities from the rising threat of antisemitism. 

Lobbying their representatives was a hands-on experience that allowed Skyler and Ella to take part in the legislative process. Through their research and preparation for Lobby Day, they gained a deeper understanding of the key issues in the work to address antisemitism, and the critical need to partner with Members of Congress to advance policy solutions that benefit all communities.

Want to join us in the work to push back against antisemitism? Urge Congress to pass the Countering Antisemitism Act HERE!