By Abram Shanedling

Now that school’s been in session for almost two weeks in the Mid-Atlantic and most Midwestern schools, pro-Israel student groups are already hard at work planning important campaigns to demonstrate Israel’s quest for peace this semester.

The Mid-Atlantic:

In the DC/Maryland, the site of the re-launch of direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, several organizations are looking to make a major impact.

At George Washington University, the Student Alliance for Israel (SAFI) kicked off its semester with an opening Israel party Monday, Sept. 14. Hasbara Fellows Rebecca Abramson, Emily Alloy, Rachel Goldrich and Lindy Wisotsky served up hot falafel and chatted with new students about several opportunities to learn about democracy and human rights in the Middle East as well as to raise money for several non-profit charities in Israel. Hasbara Fellows Garrick Weiss and Jacob Ross from American University Students for Israel (AUSFI) also swung by to show their support.

Also at George Washington, GW Acting Politically for Israel (GAP) is hoping to capitalize on multiple opportunities to stress the need for further action on Iran and to underscore the shared values between Israel and the U.S.

In addition, Israel action groups at the University of Maryland and American University are gearing up to bring in various experts to speak to campus communities about the politics of the Middle East and human rights issues.

The Midwest:

Besides hearing that the Big Ten Conference will expand next year, the news at several Midwest universities is that students are planning several exciting and important pro-Israel campaigns. For example, at the University of Illinois, Hasbara Fellows Tahli Hanuka and Jessica Ost are ironing out plans to bring in multiple experts on diversity and democracy in Israel, as well as provide new opportunities learn about Israeli culture through regular Israeli movie nights. And at the nearby University of Wisconsin, the Madison-Israel Public Affairs Committee is working hard on a new awareness campaign for students and community members on the dangers of a nuclear Iran.