Visiting Our Nation’s Capital Yields Two Standout Moments

It was great to finally be back. Why do I say that? Because after countless Washington, D.C. trips over the course of 20-plus years, this was the first visit since 2008.

Our family’s involvement took us to D.C. for a variety of reasons. Both my husband and I are former UJA National Young Leadership Cabinet members (which is how we met in the ’80s) and the attended the iconic Washington Conference many times. During the Bush 43 administration, it was a privilege to attend White House Hanukkah parties. My husband’s years on the Holocaust Memorial Council took us there many times. In addition, both of our children had Congressional internships during their high school years. Ultimately it didn’t require much of a reason to hop on a plane and head to Washington for an always-inspiring visit.

For no particular reason, we had experienced a long gap while traveling extensively both domestically and abroad. But when a wonderful young family friend was nominated and confirmed as the Deputy Secretary of the Labor Department, it was an ideal time to return.

Keith Sonderling, who effectively runs this vast department hand-in-hand with Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, kindly invited us to see his office and arrange for other tours, the most anticipated being an after-hours West Wing visit. His ace scheduler likewise arranged the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, the U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress. We took in an Orioles game all on our own as the Nationals were away.

Has the nation’s capital changed in the many years between visits? Yes and no. Crossing over the Key Bridge and glimpsing the Jefferson, Lincoln and Washington Memorials truly bring chills every time. But the Museum of African American History did not exist, and the structure is impressive and imposing. The U.S. Capitol was unchanged, but the Visitor Center is new. There are several more 5-star hotels (Waldorf Astoria, Rosewood), but we felt like no time had passed since our last stay at the venerable Hay-Adams with its outstanding view of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Among all the visits and meals and catching up with new and old friends, two experiences are unique and will remain in our memories for an exceptionally long time.

The first was visiting the Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum. Only open since 2023, this beautiful space provides a comprehensive look at the history of Jews in and around the District along with nearby areas in Virginia and Maryland.

 How sad that likely many of us outside D.C. were unfamiliar with the museum until the horrifying events of May 21, 2025. Frankly, I did not know of its existence. Upon hearing that two young souls, both staffers at the Israeli Embassy, were shot dead just a short distance after leaving a museum event was unfathomable.

Thus, it was imperative to pay our respects to Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky. We paused in front of the makeshift memorial where many had left notes, stones and candles. My husband made sure to proudly wear his Jewish Lives Matter shirt. It was a profound moment. May their memories be a blessing.

The second instance that won’t soon be forgotten was during our East Wing tour of the White House. This tour is more generally available and includes the first two floors. Photos may be freely taken whereas the West Wing Tour requires phones to be locked up prior to entering. One can look into the China and Vermeil Rooms, as well as walk through the State Dining Room, East Room, other reception rooms and the Entrance Hall. People familiar with the main hall might recall the imposing staircase where the First Family descends from the main residence.

It was in this hall that a different but also memorable moment occurred. A large oil painting is prominently displayed, accurately depicting the moment after President Trump was shot in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he raises his fist in the air. Many people were moved by the memory of this, but clearly not everyone. In particular, a young girl, perhaps 12 or 13, looked at the painting and both stuck her tongue out and gave a thumbs down gesture while posing for a photo.

Our immediate thought: only in this great country can one have that freedom of expression and speech. We’re left wondering if she knows how fortunate she is to live in the United States of America. And if you haven’t been to the capital, make it a priority. It is truly incredible.

Teri Bialosky is a business owner, travel consultant and travel writer via Travel with Teri B. A native Angeleno, she lives in Studio City.