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Resurgence seen in Jewish student pro-Israel activism |
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Written by Julie Lesser
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Wednesday, 17 February 2010 |
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MONTREAL – Adam Moscoe can’t seem to get the words out fast enough. The 18-year-old University of Ottawa (U of O) student is passionate when speaking about his commitment to pro-Israel advocacy and how it has changed his life. After participating in a Hasbara student trip last December, he felt compelled to co-found Israel Peace Week, occurring during the first week of March at more than 20 campuses across North America. He brought activist Noam Bedein from Israel to Carleton University to address the atrocities the citizens of Sderot endure and is also one of the leaders of the Israel Awareness Centre at the U of O. And he’s not done yet.
“We face a great deal of antagonism and hostility from the anti-Israel community,” said Moscoe. It’s important to shed light on the subject of Israel and human rights, which is ignored. We want to get Jewish students involved. I know that I’m here and I have to do my part.”
Moscoe is one of many Jewish college students involved in ongoing pro-Israel activities in Eastern Canada. The resurgence of student activism is reflected by participation in increasing numbers in established student organizations, as well as through personal initiatives. Students are seeking to inform their campus communities and fight increasingly effective anti-Israel sentiments expressed by opposing student-led groups. Personal motivation is often as diverse and unique as the cause itself.
At le Centre Hillel at the Université de Montréal, Jérôme Treperman tries to reach out to the Francophone Jewish student body through social and educational means. They promote Israel by showing films, bringing in speakers and focusing on cultural events.
Treperman, an international student from Germany, did not always have an interest in student activism. When he first arrived at the Université de Montréal, he decided to attend a lecture by an anti-Zionist professor. Mortified by the speaker’s stance, Treperman found himself speaking out publicly, motivated by both shock and pride. He was approached by members of Hillel after the event and has since become an active student leader.
“I was really insulted when I heard the professor speak,” Treperman said. “I felt the need to show people that there are other voices. I have learned about getting involved and feel an enormous solidarity with Israel.”
Rabbi Aaron Greenberg, an educator with Jewish Learning on Campus, situated at York University, encourages students to become active and informed, be it by signing petitions asking for the Red Cross to have access to kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, or by sharing their Jewish identity in multicultural events on campus.
“Israel is near and dear to the hearts of most Jewish students and they are appalled by its vilification internationally,” said Greenberg. “They feel the need to create a sense of mission and are proud to take an active role around the worthy cause of Israel. This is what resonates with them, regardless of their backgrounds. I encourage them to take active roles.”
Russell Sitrit-Leibovich, a commerce student at Dawson College in Montreal, does not rely on official organizations to express his stance. Last fall, he arranged a ‘Buycott’ at a local department store to challenge a planned boycott of Ahava products. He felt that anti-Israel groups can be dangerously effective and immediately took the lead in organizing a response with fellow students. This grassroots initiative saw the shelves emptied, as every last Ahava product was purchased by participants. The ‘Buycott’ was a success.
Adam Moscoe sees making a case for Israel as a personal responsibility. He notes that although it may be easier to assimilate within the larger community on campus, Jewish students must take the lead by defining Israel as committed to peace.
“Jewish students are too small a population to be apathetic,” said Moscoe. “It is important for us to be active and informed about Israel advocacy. We can’t go with the flow. We have to be passionate.” |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 24 February 2010 )
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