Experiencing the Republican Jewish Coalition National Leadership Summit was a wonderful opportunity to network with like-minded Jewish students from around the country and gain a deeper understanding of the important work being done to support the Jewish community.
I am incredibly grateful to Houston Hillel for giving me the opportunity to attend and create memories that I will never forget. From hearing Vice President JD Vance speak, to exploring Las Vegas for the first time, this trip was an unforgettable experience.
On the first day of the conference, we had the opportunity to hear Congressmen Randy Fine and Brandon Gill speak about the work they are doing to combat antisemitism through legislation. After Rep. Fine’s speech, I had the opportunity to speak with him personally.
We discussed how antisemitism is fundamentally un-American and should never be tolerated in our country. It was inspiring to hear directly from elected officials who are working to address these issues and to have the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about the challenges facing Jewish Americans.
One of the most valuable parts of the conference was meeting Jewish students and professionals from across the country. We all came together because of a shared commitment to supporting the Jewish community and standing against antisemitism.
The conference also provided an opportunity to network with industry professionals and build relationships that could benefit me throughout my career. The connections I made during this trip will last a lifetime and will help put me in a strong position as I prepare to enter the workforce.
The second day was filled with more networking opportunities and incredible speakers. It was truly amazing to hear Vivek Ramaswamy and Vice President Vance speak. I appreciated hearing about the work the administration is doing to combat antisemitism and ensure continued support for Israel.
This also was my first time visiting Las Vegas. After the conference, each day my friends and I explored the city, walked through different hotels and experienced everything Las Vegas has to offer. It was exciting to visit a new city while sharing the experience with friends.
The Republican Jewish Coalition works extremely hard to ensure elected Republicans understand the issues facing Jewish communities across the country, while also recognizing the importance of continued support for Israel.
I am so grateful I had the opportunity to attend this conference and gain a deeper understanding of the Republican Jewish Coalition’s mission. Most importantly, I am incredibly thankful for Houston Hillel and its continued support of Jewish students. Without Houston Hillel, I would not have been able to participate in this unforgettable experience.
Jordyn Hackner is a junior at the University of Houston. She traveled to the Republican Jewish Coalition National Leadership Summit with assistance from the Houston Hillel Raymond Plotkin Memorial Scholarship Fund.