By Heddy Ben Atar

On Monday, March 28^th, Hasbara Fellow Sarah Geller organized a leadership dinner at the house of the Israeli Consulate of New England.

Over 20 of the most elite campus leaders attended this event.  Guests included the Student Government president and the president of Hillel.  Many other influential guests attended.  The night began informally.  The students were given the opportunity to network with each other and with members of the Israeli Consulate team.  Then, Shai Bazek, the Israeli Consulate General, addressed the students.  He spoke about Israel’s interest in New England, the Israeli economy, and the current conflict in the Middle East. (Note: He will also speak at the Hasbara Fellowships New England Leadership Dinner).  Students asked many questions ranging from questions about the peace process to questions about American Foreign Aid to Israel.  Student leaders that attended the event will receive copies of the book Myths, Illusions, and Peace: Finding a New Direciton for America in the Middle East by David Makovsky and Dennis Ross.

On Wednesday Hasbara Fellow Sarah Geller, Hasbara Campus Coordinator Heddy Ben-Atar, and the Brandeis student union president had lunch with 6 Members of Knesset.  The Knesset members later addressed students at an open town hall about Israel’s relationship with the American Jewish community. (photo attached)