By Gail Axelrod

February is an exciting time for pro-Israel advocates in Georgia and Florida.

Monday marked the start of Israel Week at Florida State University. The week is being sponsored by Noles for Israel, led by Hasbara Fellows Ilana Goldenberg, Ron Barhai, Daniel Ackerman, Rachel Tenenbaum, and Harrison Dubosar. The weeklong event features the Washington Institute’s David Mokovsky, Hasbara Fellowships’ campaign Think Green. Think Blue., and culminates in an AEPi sponsored Shabbat, which also marks the beginning of the AEPi Southern Conclave.

The University of Florida’s Gators for Israel led by Hasbara Fellow Claire Miller hosted its second brunch and learn session this past Sunday, February 20.  The bi-monthly information sessions deal with regional Middle Eastern issues as they relate to Israel.  Dawgs for Israel is also hosting Scott Arogeti, the Jewish Liaison to President George W. Bush on February 23 in SLC Room 275. The lecture will focus on the current situation in Egypt.

The University of Georgia’s Dawgs for Israel led by Daniel Matatiaho and Meredith Brody co-sponsored the Israeli film Five Hours from Paris in conjunction with the Athens Jewish Film Festival. The film festival runs until Wednesday, February 23. Also be sure to check out the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, which runs until February 28.

Emory Students for Israel is actively planning Israel Peace Week, which will run from March 14 to March 18. Similar plans are in the works at Florida International University. The week will be sponsored by Shalom FIU and led by Rebecca Sterling. Stay tuned for much more news on Israel Peace Weeks in the south!

Shalom y’all,

Gail