Israel Programs
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Israel “Coffee Dates” -- The most effective way of engaging students on the topic of Israel is through one-on-one coffee dates. As the situation on campus became more tense with rallies and counter-rallies, I had more and more opportunities at these events to meet students who either; 1) wanted to get more involved in Israel programming as a result of the rising tensions, 2) were mad at Hillel for being too one sided (though they differed in their views of whether Hillel was too right- or left-wing), or 3) were frustrated by the lack of "factual," "unbiased" information available to them. After meeting students at rallies, through their disgruntled e-mails, or even hearing their concerns from friends, I set up coffee dates just to talk. These dates were wonderful occasions for me to connect with new students and make them feel welcome in the Jewish community. They also often led the students to plan Israel-related programs.
Hukkah in the Sukkah -- This first major engagement program of the year was widely advertised all over campus as an Israeli culture night. I purchased excellent Middle Eastern food at a local market and arranged to have a belly dancer come perform and teach a short lesson. Students had the chance to mingle as they smoked or just observed Middle Eastern water pipes. This was the signature JCSC program for the year and opened the doors for Hummus Happy Hours, and other engagement opportunities.
Israeli Opportunities Fair -- The fair, hosted in partnership with the Israel Center, gave students the chance to visit Israel program booths and talk to representatives of various travel, learning, and study abroad programs. Individual students spoke about their experiences on birthright Israel, the overseas student program at Tel Aviv University, and working on Kibbutzim.
Yom Haatzmaut Celebration -- The Stanford Israel Alliance with the input of a team of engagement students worked on a Yom HaAtzmaut celebration in White Plaza. This traditional day of celebration for the founding of the State of Israel was mingled with reflection in these sad and challenging times. There was traditional Israeli food and music. Members of the Stanford student community shared readings and reflections on their connection to Israel. We reaffirmed the importance of the existence of the state of Israel and took comfort in the strength of our community. We gathered to commemorate the founding of Israel, to celebrate its rich heritage, diverse cultural landscape, and vitality, and to reflect on its continuing importance.
Campus Leaders Dinner on Israel -- During Avraham Infeld's visit to campus, I arranged a dinner with Jewish leaders on campus who were not part of the Hillel leadership structure. He spoke on the topic of "As a Jewish Leader, What is Your Connection to Israel." This invitation-only dinner and discussion helped recognize students who are making a difference on campus. During the program, participants engaged in a frank conversation about some intense topics including; holding a Jewish identity in a secular environment and being able to both love and criticize Israel. In a survey conducted following the dinner, all participants responded positively, saying that this type of program, which was previously packing from the Hillel curriculum, helped them connect in a new way to the Jewish community. They appreciated being singled out as leaders, enjoyed meeting others like them on campus, and relished the opportunity to explore a relevant topic with a high level professional. When asked what he gained from the dinner, a student responded, “the ability to feel good about being Jewish and the way I am Jewish.”
The State of the Jewish State -- Avraham Infeld, the Hillel Consul for Jewish Affairs, painted a picture of Israel's diverse, vibrant, and complex society. During this time of heated conflict, Infeld will addressed the tensions between religious and secular, Arab and Jew, and divergent political groups within Israel.
Counter-rally -- Not only did we plan our own Israel programs, but Jewish students responded to events put on by other groups on campus. Based on the speaker list, students feared that a rally advertised as a "Walkout for Peace in the Middle East" would turn into an anti-Israel or even anti-semetic event. They organized a counter-demonstration with the message"pro-Israel, pro-Peace," "Israel wants to negotiate. We need a partner." Although the divisiveness of the rally/counter-rally situation was controversial, the outcome of this event was good. Members of the Jewish community brought everyone, on both sides, with both Israeli and Palestinian flags, together after the speakers finished. Unified, we sang "Od Yavo Shalom Aleinu," "Peace will come to us," with both Hebrew and Arabic lyrics.
Disparate Perspectives: An Intra-Jewish Dialogue on Israel -- During my Israel "coffee dates" I spoke to many students who were frustrated with Hillel's participation in pro-Israel rallies. They understood this to mean that Hillel believes that there is only one way to be pro-Israel, by supporting the Israeli government. These students wanted to unify the Jewish community while engaging them in a serious and difficult discussion on Israel. These students put together a panel discussion entitled, “Disparate Perspectives: An Intra-Jewish Dialogue on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict." Event organizer, Emily Dawson, explained the purpose of this program. “Rallies simplify the issues. We wanted to re complicate things.” The panel consisted of four Jewish students who shared their vastly different views on Israel, the Palestinians, and the current conflict. While the student speakers passionately articulated ideas that conflicted with those of other panelists, the tone of the evening was one of respect. Following the brief presentations by panelists, the audience was invited to pose questions and share thoughts. Stanford senior Kylie Gordon said that the program “made her feel proud to be part of a culture/religion that honors ‘disparate perspectives.’"