Student involvement in politics, internships and careers in Washington, D.C. and the American-Israeli relationship were topics emphasized by Matt Levin in a discussion last night.

"The main goal was to let the students on campus know that they can become involved in politics and pro-Israeli politics through campaigning and lobbying," said Levin, field organizer for the American Israel Public Affairs Commitee (AIPAC) in Washington, D.C.

AIPAC is the only organization registered in Washington to lobby solely on behalf of the American-Israeli relationship on those issues that directly affect the present and future situation, Levin said.

Lobbying Congress, establishing a good rapport with the American administration and making sure Congress appropriates the $3 billion in grant aid to Israel are the three most important goals of AIPAC, he added.

According to an AIPAC flyer, it selects pro-Israel students throughout the nation for paid internships in national and regional office. The interns work in one of four divisions: legislative affairs, foreign policy issues, political affairs and national development. The internships are available during the spring, summer and fall to undergraduate students.

"It is important for students to become aware of not only grassroots politics but come to Washington and understand and see what makes the political process work," Levin said.

Yachad, Friends of Israel sponsored the program last night. Yachad Vice President Gabriela Warat said the discussion would allow student to get more politically involved in the situation in the Middle East.

"We were hoping that they would get more actively involved in politics and we hope that they can also learn a little bit about Israel and how lobbying works . . . We were hoping that this would set some sort of cause towards peace in the Middle East,"she said.

Incoming Undergraduate Student Government Vice President Bill Novick, former president of Yachad, said, "As an American I look to the Middle East and I see turmoil. The only country that is stable is Israel . . . Israel is the only country that is a tried and true friend of America."