By Gail Axelrod

As the spring semester comes to a close, students in the Southeast are actively preparing for Yom Ha’atzmaut and other celebrations of life and culture in Israel.

Emory Students for Israel, led by senior Sarah Green, will be hosting its annual “I-Fest” this Thursday, April 14^th in Asbury Circle. The all-day event, featuring famous Israeli icons, will include several campus clubs and organizations. Participating groups include Hillel at Emory, The Emory Israel Public Affairs Committee, AEPi, and Challah for Hunger. Dawgs for Israel at the University of Georgia, led by soon-to-be Hasbara Fellow Daniel Matatiaho and Meredith Broudy, will also be hosting “Israel Day” on April 13 in Tate Plaza.

Students at the University of Florida are also gearing up for Yom Ha’atzmaut as we approach the 63^rd birthday of Israel. The event, “Israel 63,” includes a bonfire and barbeque.  Furthermore, UF is screening the famed Israeli television series A Touch Away.

Noles for Israel at Florida State University, led by Hasbara Fellow Ilana Goldenberg hosted “Sing Your Heart Out” benefitting Save a Child's Heart this past Monday. Consul General Ofer Bavly and Deputy Consul General Paul Hirschson spoke at the event.

Make sure to apply for this year’s Hasbara Fellowship program in Israel!

Shalom y’all,

Gail