Q&A With Our Summer Interns
Our talented interns have been diving deep into the world of policymaking, conducting critical research, and helping us shape the future of America’s policy on Israel and Palestine. Coming from all corners of the country, they share a common drive to create meaningful, real-world impact. We sat down with our summer interns and asked them a set of questions, here’s how they responded.
What’s the favorite thing you’ve done / worked on?
I’ve been creating a database of amendments to the NDAA and NSRP legislation, and I really love it! Over the course of the past couple weeks, I’ve probably sorted through around two-thousand proposals submitted by Representatives and Senators. Some of them are really depressing, but, every once in a while, there is one that just makes you smile, either because of its absurdity or because it is a reminder that some politicians are constantly working hard for their constituents.
Digging deep into Israel’s diamond industry for a U.S. Trade Representative investigation on the importation of goods produced with forced labor. From this research, we produced testimony on Israel’s insufficient trade regulations, supply chain traceability and broader systems of forced labor and labor exploitation in Palestine/Israel.
My favorite tasks have been researching and writing analyses on legislation, especially on problematic sections of must-pass bills like the NDAA and NSRP. It’s been amazing to see how A New Policy’s work opposing these sections has contributed to a national campaign against them, resulting in a record number of representatives supporting Thomas Massie’s amendment that would cut off unconditional aid to Israel.
Taking the time to sit down with candidates and discuss how best we can work together has been a sincerely uplifting experience. With A New Policy PAC, I’ve seen firsthand how congressional campaigns navigate policy questions and electoral pathways, ultimately towards a movement that can deliver across the country.
Favorite feels like the wrong word, but my favorite thing I’ve worked on was commemorating 1,000 days of genocide. Communicating just how horrific the past almost 3 years have been and honoring those killed is a vital part of the quest for justice.
My favorite thing to take part in is the Congressional Action Network, A New Policy’s network of constituents, experts, partners, and organizers. So much work is being done at the grassroots level, but that work is often disconnected from Capitol Hill, with different people pushing in separate directions or on separate timelines. It gives me hope to see ANP draw the connection between grassroots and hill-based advocacy.
What have you learned that you didn’t know before interning with A New Policy?
So much: that anyone can walk into our congressional hearings and attend any hearings, how to access and understand U.S. code, and how many bills are introduced that never get debated or voted on. Mostly, I've learned that change is heartbreakingly slow, but every new amendment or bill introduced, representatives shifted, or primary elections won moves us, incrementally, in the right direction towards a better world.
Through each congressional campaign, I’ve learned that what might work for one district, doesn’t work for another. Connecting with voters, mobilizing constituents, and addressing policy concerns depends on each district and its race, and electoral strategy means taking the time to conduct in-depth research on what works best.
My favorite thing i’ve worked on has definitely been experimenting with videography and editing. It’s been amazing to see some of the more abstract clips come to life and all the hard work paying off.
One of the most surprising things I have learned is how many candidates are being funded by AIPAC through shell PACs so that they can deny where their funding is truly coming from in order to maintain certain appearances with their progressive voter bases.
Oh, so, so much – how much time do you have? I know that sounds like a cop-out, but it isn’t. A lot of the interns here have some background in the issue of Israel-Palestine; I came into this experience with practically no knowledge of the topic! Because of that, well . . . I feel like every time someone talks, I learn something new.
Are you more or less optimistic about change coming and why? (On Palestine & Israel)
That is a really hard one. I actually don’t think my level of optimism has changed: as a person who wants to devote their lives to international relations and global interaction, it is a fundamental element of my personality to believe that there is a solution out there. I think I’ve changed in the sense that my comprehension of what issues need to be addressed and what discussions need to be had before any conversation about the future of the relationship between Israel and Palestine can even begin has expanded.
I’m holding faith in the people who are steadfast in their advocacy for justice and human rights for Palestinians and am energized by the momentum our movement is experiencing. At A New Policy, I am inspired by the dedication and hard work of both those in the organization and those we work with, all of whom demonstrate commitment and dedication. I’m excited to see what kind of change the next few years will bring.
I’m very optimistic. The attitudes of the American public have radically changed over the past few years, and every day, more Americans are witnessing the lived humanitarian realities on the ground. Most importantly, this has led to a shift in conversation on the importance of reevaluating how our current Middle East strategy aligns with American national security interests.
I think change is already here. The language we are seeing in discussions surrounding Palestine is unprecedented. Positions that felt fringe even a few years ago are now held by a real plurality of people. The question is how we take advantage of this moment. Public opinion doesn't translate into legislation on its own, and I hope we can continue to push to close that gap.
