Throughout my time at McGill University in Montreal, I’ve become aware of the strong Jewish presence on campus in the city I have called home for the last three years.
Although the common refrains of “There is so much anti-Semitism and hatred toward Israel on college campuses today” and “It’s best that you not go to those rallies – they’re dangerous for students” can be heard periodically, there has continued to be an unwavering number of students who support Israel, which was highlighted this year at McGill.
Recently in Toronto, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted the importance of students on college campuses who seek the truth on Israel and who are active in doing so. It’s this responsibility to seek the truth that students should adhere to.
Regardless of coalitions and student groups that oppose Israel, it has been my involvement with Hillel McGill as programming and PR student representative that has allowed me to work closely with my peers to foster a positive arena for pro-Israel voices.
I have worked on a variety of campaigns and programs geared to both Jewish and non-Jewish students alike, whether it be a social networking event, a city-wide student Shabbat dinner or Holocaust Education Week. It all boils down to helping my generation find its own voice within the community.
Although there’s a growing number of students who are indeed interested in providing their peers with pro-Israel programs and guidance, such enthusiasm can vary from campus to campus, as some students may not know how to get involved to begin with.
When asked how to keep students aware of the issues in the Middle East, Dan Hadad, a representative of the pro-Israel student campaign Size Doesn’t Matter, stated, “The more engagement opportunities we can provide, the better we will be at attracting new advocates.”
In the current political climate in the Middle East and around the world, students on their university and college campuses should be active and conscious of what is going on while standing up for a country that, without our proactive voices, cannot stand on her own.
This past March, our Hillel McGill programming team was able to bring I-Fest, a celebration of Israeli ingenuity, culture and entrepreneurial success, to the forefront of students’ social calendars. The week included a cultural fair, information about getting involved on campus and on making aliyah to Israel, as well as representatives from Save a Child’s Heart and both Tel Aviv and Hebrew universities.
The week came to a close with a fundraising party, with proceeds going to Save a Child’s Heart, an organization in Israel that provides surgery for children with various heart problems.
The week was a success, and I look forward to I-Fest continuing to be a part of Hillel McGill’s calendar of events.
While speaking in Toronto, Netanyahu thanked the crowd for their continued allegiance to Israel, stating that, “Year after year, you march for the truth, because one of the battles that we face is the battle for truth.”
We will remain proactive on our college campuses and in our communities at large to combat the negative bias that Israel faces constantly.
As a student in today’s world, I can say that I’m proud of my peers who have stood up to those who wish to annihilate Israel. I’m proud of my friends who tirelessly write opinion pieces and articles on issues that confront them in the news. I’m proud of those who make an active contribution in the community and on campus by encouraging and supporting pro-Israel advocacy.
Kortney Shapiro will be entering her fourth year at McGill University this fall.
