Personal Transformation in the Holy Land

August 22, 2015

The Adam and Gila Milstein Family Foundation is proud to support AIPAC’s Campus Allies Mission, which brings non-Jewish, pro-Israel political activists to Israel for the first time. Participants learn about the importance of the relationship between the United States and Israel and gain a deeper understanding of Israel’s strategic, social, and security issues, right in the heart of the Holy Land.

One of our Campus Allies Alumni, Alex Schriver, has shared how the Campus Allies Mission has impacted his life. You can read his post below.

From 2011 to 2013, I served as the National Chairman of the College Republican National Committee. As a representative of the CRNC, I was selected along with four other young leaders to visit Israel for the first time through the AIPAC Campus Allies trip.

I was not exactly sure what to expect from this 10-day sojourn. I don’t use the term ‘life-changing’ lightly, but no other phrase feels quite right for describing my time in the Jewish State. Seeing the bible come to life before my very eyes is something I wish I could share with everyone from my church back home.

While the historical and political education I received in Israel continues to shape my views working on Capitol Hill, my time there was also an incredibly personal religious experience. I prayed at the Western Wall. I was baptized in the Jordan River— the same waters in which John baptized Jesus. I heard Mathew 5-7 read aloud at the Temple Mount, where Jesus first told his followers to “be perfect, as your Heavenly father is perfect.” And I will never forget reading John 19 at the Garden Tomb; reflecting upon our Lord’s resurrection there still gives me the chills to this day. When my plane departed from Ben Gurion Airport, I held an entirely new appreciation for the nation, people, and many cultures of modern Israel.

Today, I serve as Chief of Staff for U.S. Congressman Bradley Byrne of Alabama. I could not be more proud to work for a man who has unequivocally defends the State of Israel in both words and actions.

I will always be indebted to AIPAC Campus Allies. In just 10 days they showed me more about Israel— and myself— then I ever would have thought possible.

To learn more about the philanthropic work of Adam Milstein and the Milstein Family Foundation, visit http://milsteinff.org

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