Recently, an 11th grade reporter at a local private high school published an editorial in his school newspaper entitled, "Media Are Not Always Impartial in Presenting Issues." This is certainly a fair enough title to a problem that we all experience from time to time. Unfortunately, this particular reporter then took it upon himself to write the following in his editorial: "In our great country, we have many interest groups that have strongholds on the media. One of these many powerful groups is the Jewish lobby."

If that was not enough, this blatantly anti-Semitic remark was followed by a scathing criticism of the so called, "Jewish lobby" and its attempt to bias the news in favor of Israel. The reporter concluded his remarks by commenting: "Many Americans find it shocking to hear that over the last two years, Israel has killed 1,963 Palestinians, while Palestinians have killed 664 Israelis. This leaves a ratio of about three to one.  Yet the media in America would never even hint at this ratio."

How would you respond to an editorial like this?

Fortunately, one of our own members, a senior at that high school named Rachel, set a wonderful example for us all. In a beautifully written response, Rachel first pointed out that no lobbyist group has the power to control the decisions media corporations make when they decide how to present the news. Instead, she skillfully reminded the reporter that we have the full right as Americans to lobby our government officials in order to make our interests heard. This is certainly a great freedom that we need to continue to exercise in supporting our interests here and in Israel.

She then went on to provide a more accurate and detailed analysis of the statistics that the reporter used in his reductive analysis:

- 80% of Israelis killed have been non-combatants
- 39.5% of Palestinians killed have been non-combatants 
- The remaining Palestinian deaths include those actively involved in fighting, homicide bombers, "work accidents," perceived Israeli collaborators and people killed in intra-Palestinian fighting

While the death of any innocent human being on either side is tragic, she reminded them that the Israeli Defense Forces never intentionally harm innocent civilians. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the evil that exists on the Palestinian side that purposely targets innocent men, women and children.

In her bold response, Rachel has reminded us all of the extreme importance of diligently arming ourselves with articulate arguments and actual facts. Polls today show that most Americans still show favorable attitudes towards Israel. But there are some today like the school reporter who question America's support of Israel. That is where we can play a huge part.

I urge all of us to continue to follow Rachel's example and to write our lawmakers, government officials and newspapers. Doing so not only protects the Jewish homeland but also provides the opportunity and hope that Israel needs to protect herself and one day, God willing soon, make peace with her neighbors.

So next time you see one of your own "Rachels," give him or her a hearty "Yesher Koach," that they may continue to be strengthened in the holy work they do for our people. And may we continue to produce more and more young adults like them.