Consulate

This past week, the students of Rambam’s Political Action Committee (RamPAC) headed out to the Argentinian Consulate to discuss the state of antisemitism in Argentina.

This past week, the students of Rambam’s Political Action Committee (RamPAC) headed out to the Argentinian Consulate to discuss the state of antisemitism in Argentina. RamPAC’s president, 11th grader Joshua Horowitz had been in contact with the deputy consulate for some time before this, and when the time came, she was excited to have the students of Rambam Mesivta come and speak with the minister.

The goal of RamPAC was to understand what exactly was being done by the country to combat antisemitism, and ensure that it was in fact a safe place for Jews in such tumultuous times. RamPAC arrived at the consulate in New York City, accompanied by Rambam Rebbe and Israel guidance Director, Rabbi Ilan Schimmel, and were greeted with warm welcomes from the diplomats. They were brought to a magnificent room filled with beautiful art pieces.

They were then ushered in by the Madam Deputy Consulate, who brought them to a conference room upstairs, where they were introduced to the minister himself. RamPAC presidents Zachary Haironson (senior) and Joshua Horowitz began by explaining their purpose that day as well as an expression of gratitude towards the minister for meeting with them.

This was followed by a brief history of the Jews given by freshman Ephraim Ganchrow, who explained that Jews, like any other any citizens in Argentina if not more, have deep roots in the country and deserve the full protection and rights that the country has to offer.

According to the minister turns out that Argentina is one of the least antisemitic countries, with antisemitic attacks only going up by 44% following October 7th, compared to the US’s 360%. They made it clear to the Rambam activists that they were taking the matter seriously and they praised the Rambam students for getting involved and reaching out.

This whole endeavor was student run and Joshua Horowitz demonstrated that with the right motivation and a desire to make a difference, high school students can become diplomats and ambassadors in their own right. It was a true Kiddush Hashem.