By: Danielle Reich

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s…a huge Bedouin tent right outside of Rutgers University Hillel!  Last Wednesday, Rutgers kicked off the fall semester on a fun, high note.  What better way to attract students to pro-Israel activism than a relaxed Bedouin atmosphere, free Israeli food and amazing opportunities for students to get involved?

Right outside Hillel, the newly established Rutgers Center for Israel Engagement and Raffi Mark, Summer 2011 Hasbara Fellow and Israel Chair of Rutgers Hillel, threw a “Bedouin Tent and Israel Involvement Fair,” a two-part, fun-filled evening.  First, students were able to experience the Rutgers version of a Bedouin tent, complete with hookah and blankets.  Second, tables were set up inside the Hillel displaying the myriad of pro-Israel activism opportunities Rutgers has to offer, accompanied by tea, coffee, Bedouin pita and lively music.

The options ranged a variety of interests.  For the more culture-minded, Rutgers offered options such as the Hebrew Club, while those who prefer politics were introduced to groups such as Scarlet, Blue and While and the Rutgers Pro-Israel Alliance.   Additionally, Rutgers advertised for Hasbara Fellowships and other national pro-Israel organizations, plus multiple Israel trip opportunities, such as Birthright, JNF Spring Break, and – of course – the Hasbara Fellowships Israel Activism Training Program!

Look out for further events on Rutgers’s radar.  In light of the Palestinian Authority going to the UN to unilaterally declare statehood on Wednesday, September 21, Rutgers Hillel are springing into action.  Hillel will be tabling on Monday and Tuesday with all types of pro-Israel materials, including the Hasbara Fellowships “Friend Request Pending” campaign, and sending around the new Hasbara Fellowships YouTube video.  By posting this video as their statuses, the students who get 100 "Likes" will receive a free ITunes Gift Card and whoever gets the most number of "Likes" can win a free IPad.  If you haven’t already, check out the video and order the materials today!

Great job, Rutgers, and looking forward to seeing many more great things from you!