At the University of British Columbia, Talia Salzman, and the rest of the Hillel, JSA, and IAC team are hosting an Israel Week this coming week. Events to look forward to include Israeli breakfast and Israeli hot lunch on campus, bar nights and an improv night. What a phenomenal way to end the year, a positive Israel experience! Way to make a lasting impression.

Sticking to the west coast, the University of Victoria, had a couple anti-Israel speakers last week. Kevin Naish, on the Mavi Marmara of the infamous flotilla to Gaza, and Maxine Kaufmann, an author of a book outlining experiences, hopes, strategies and challenges of such actions in the conflict, and gave a presentation about her view of the situation in Israel. Kol HaKavod to IOC President Irina Chernov, and fellows Steven Zbarsky and Danielle Weisz for attending these events and handing out information to attendees. In addition to the handouts, the three asked the speakers some great questions, although the speakers never responded to the questions. The funny part is during Kevin's speech, members of CAIA (Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid) - the organizers and sponsors of this event - were also curious to know some of these answers, so re-asked the unanswered questions the fellows asked.

At the University of Calgary, Cara Lebenzon, Israel Chair for Hillel, planned a phenomenal two day tabling campaign promoting Israel. The setup of this campaign included a huge screen with relevant video clips projected on it, this was a major attractor. There was also a couple different display boards with different themes, one board showcased the Case For Israel, in reference to Alan Dershowitz's book, and another showcased diversity and acceptance in Israel. Supplementing the later display was our Hasbara Fellowships Support Human Rights? Support Israel cards. Additional materials varied between Size Doesn't Matter, Truth cards, and Hamas, the obstacle to peace. This campaign was put on through Hillel with the help of some staunch Israel supporters on campus, who identified themselves to Cara a couple weeks prior. Through this tabling campaign Calgary Hillel was also able to identify a number of additional Israel supporters as well as begin building a strong coalition with Iranian students.

In Winnipeg, there have been a couple events. Hillel at the University of Winnipeg, held a lunch and learn with a History Professor, Dr. Ahmet Seyhun. The event was Q&A, and students could ask him about topics relating to Israel, Islam, Judaism, Turkey, or the Middle East. Dr. Seyhun had a very optimistic outlook for Israel, the Middle East, and the role Israel will play in the Middle East. However, he also had a number of views on Israel and actions of the IDF that I hope he will have a "Goldstone-like epiphany" on. In addition to Israel, when discussing the region in general, Dr. Seyhun stated he felt Saudi Arabia was the real threat, not Iran like the world believes. He doesn't believe Iran has nuclear capabilities, and that Israel is a great nuclear threat. All students in the room were either Hasbara Fellows, or fairly-well educated on the topic, so took what he said with a grain of salt.

The following day, Hillel Winnipeg hosted their annual Interfaith Shabbat. The event was attended by about 60 people, mostly of the interfaith community, and guests were able to ask questions openly, attend evening service, and enjoy a lovely Shabbat dinner. Following dinner, attendees were split into four groups and given a sheet on Jewish values. The instructions were, within your group pick the top three values. Attendees left the Shabbat on a positive note, and could form some great coalitions in the future.

This past Thursday, Manitoba Provincial Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Andrew Swan, spoke to a group of about 30 on the limits of free speech and hate speech in regards to Israel Apartheid Week. This was a riveting speech, with an in-depth discussion on hate crimes and what constitutes a hate crime according to Manitoba Provincial Law. The event quickly turned into Q&A rather than the Minister speaking followed by questions, and many were curious about various hate crimes, acts, and past anti-semetic incidents. This event was put on by CJPAC (Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee).

To conclude, I would like to urge all Canadians reading this to get involved in the upcoming federal election. Candidates need volunteers, and there are a variety of duties you can volunteer for. You can volunteer for any party, any candidate and any amount of time - even as little as an hour. CJPAC will gladly help place you on a campaign, visit www.itsup2you.ca to register, and you will be contacted shortly after with the details.