80 U.S. Student Leaders Visit Israel to Combat Antisemitism

Student Delegation's Mission in Israel

• 🎯 80 student leaders from top U.S. universities visited Israel to gain firsthand insight into the aftermath of the October 7th massacre and the rise of antisemitism.
• 💡 The primary goal was to equip these leaders with the knowledge and confidence to refute lies about genocide and Israel's character on their campuses.
• 🗺️ The trip included visits to areas affected by the war along the Gaza border, the Golan Heights, and Judea and Samaria (West Bank).

Combating Campus Antisemitism

• 🗣️ Michael Eglash, co-founder of ambassadors.com, emphasized the need for effective activists to stand up for Israel and against antisemitism.
• 📈 Eglash noted that while antisemitism has always been a problem, social media has amplified its reach.
• 🎓 Students aimed to gain information to be effective activists, countering narratives of genocide and Israel being a racist country.

Impactful Experiences and Historical Context

• ⛰️ Visiting Judea and Samaria was a highlight for Julia Schulman from Connecticut College, providing eye-opening insights into disputed territories and local Jewish communities.
• 🏛️ Exploration of biblical Shilo uncovered ancient treasures, offering empowering firsthand knowledge of the Jewish people's historical roots in the land.
• 🗣️ Yo Kelter from Virginia Tech stressed the importance of confidence and strength in confronting larger opposing groups on campus, drawing parallels to Israel's historical challenges.

Personal Encounters with Antisemitism

• 💥 Yael Reich, a senior at Oregon State, shared an experience of being called a Nazi while tabling for the return of hostages.
• 🕊️ A banner outside President Herzog's house, stating "All we want is to give peace a chance," left a lasting message for Reich to convey.
• 🗣️ Dan Garniac from UC Santa Barbara recounted encountering pro-Palestinian protests and antisemitic incidents, particularly when speaking Hebrew.

Gaining Strength and Perspective

• 🛡️ Garniac highlighted that while antisemitism cannot be defeated, individuals can build strength to manage it.
• 🔥 Visiting Kibbutz Bayer, a heavily impacted community from October 7th, provided new perspectives and prepared students to fight antisemitism on campus.
• 🤝 The trip facilitated interactions with diverse individuals, enriching students' understanding and empowering them to counter misinformation with personal experiences.