Who hasn’t seen those “Terps for Israel” shirt around campus? Over 700 were distributed to the student body as part of TerPAC’s most recent campaign. TerPAC, which stands for Terrapin Israel Public Affairs Committee, is the University of Maryland campus branch of AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. This organization strives to highlight the benefits of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, to promote a pro-Israel agenda, and to create events for the campus-wide community.

Last semester, we saw the petition to support a strong US-Israel relationship that was signed by more than 1500 students, faculty and community members. Crossing political barriers, both the College Republicans and the College Democrats endorsed the petition, as well the Maryland Federations of both Republicans and Democrats. The petition also garnered support from the Jewish Student Union, The Black Student Union, and multiple fraternities and sororities. Micha Weinblatt, President of TerPAC, lauded the petition as a huge success, garnering broad support from the campus- wide community.

Most recently, TerPAC sponsored the campus visit by the United States Ambassador to Israel, Daniel Ayalon. He called for an end to Palestinian terrorism, promising that Israel would be open to peaceful resolutions. Ayalon expressed hope that negations could be reached once the obstacle of violence is removed. Events also included a Basic Training event. The event entailed several hours of fun general military training, but also incorporated the moral and ethical principles that soldiers face in combat situations.

TerPAC was revamped and started anew last year and has already launched many successful campaigns here at the University of Maryland. Next year, TerPAC hopes to sponsor bringing additional speakers to campus, including members of Congress from both parties. TerPAC will continue sponsoring new and exciting events to promote a positive and constructive relationship between the United States and Israel.