By Hashem Hamdy

City-Wide Ottawa IAC President and soon-to-be Hasbara Fellow (June ’11) Hashem Hamdy, fills us in on the happenings at the University of Ottawa and Carleton. Looking forward to his continued contributions to the strong Hasbara Fellowships-IAC relationship.

Every year, the dialogue on Israel on Ottawa university campuses becomes increasingly more heated. Israel Apartheid Week is a difficult time for not only Jewish and pro-Israel students, but also for students who respect fair and free dialogue on campus. This year was different, however. For the first time, at the end of IAW, pro-Israel students were able to finally claim victory.

The Israel Awareness Committee organized a highly-effective “Information” campaign at Carleton University and the University of Ottawa, which presented objective, well-source information on Israel. We had highly-visible displays listing facts about Israeli aid to Gaza, the Basic Law of Israel, minorities in Israel, the IDF rules of engagement, and other topics. Dozens of students from various communities and groups assisted in tabling on campus, highlighting the bipartisan, multicultural background of supporters of Israel.

A pre-IAW training session, done with the assistance of Hasbara Fellowships, prepared volunteers for engaging in Israel advocacy by not only promoting Israel but by answering common criticisms. Participants were given the opportunity to engage in mock engagement sessions, with IAC and Hillel executives playing a series of parts ranging from curious student to angry protestor. Participant feedback was very positive and students were prepared to defend Israel at the end of the day.

Two major speaking engagements were held during Israel Apartheid Week by the IAC by a coalition of campus groups. The IAC, Carleton Liberals, and Carleton Campus Conservatives partnered to hold an event with the Hon. John Baird and MP Joe Volpe to discuss the state of campus dialogue. Also, the IAC and CAMERA partnered to bring Ishmael Khaldi, the highest-ranking Bedouin in the Israeli foreign service, to speak on campus.

IAC’s IAW efforts were massively successful, and an indicator of what is to come in the upcoming year.

Hashem Hamdy is the City-Wide President of the Ottawa City-Wide Israel Awareness Committee.