By: Daniel Cohen

Last week, over 350 students at Michigan State University celebrated Israel-Fest, a massive explosion of pro-Israel messaging.  The event was held at the MSU Student Union Building and was co-sponsored by the student government.  Coalition building, campus media, educational and PR materials... the event was a huge success.  Read on for three important lessons to learn and to get some ideas for your own Israel Fest!

From 6:30 to 8:30 pm on Nov. 15, 2011, the stage was set at the Michigan State University Student Union Building.  Blue and white balloons adorned the ballroom, and tables lined with delicious Israeli food extended in all directions.  Falafel, kabob sticks, chips with hummus and baba ganush, Israeli vegetable and couscous salads... it was a welcome diversion from Ramen and pizza for the 350+ college students in attendance.

The giveaways weren't limited to ambience and food, either.  Early comers picked up a free "Love Israel" T-shirt (which were gone by 7 pm).  Also, by visiting certain tables, students could win a free "Love Israel" USB drive, which came pre-loaded with even more info about Israel.  The tables featured information about the Dead Sea, Israeli Intelligence, Technology, Sports, Diversity, Humanitarian Aid, Real Partners Real Peace, as well as MASA, Birthright, and CAMERA materials.

Students were treated to Israeli music and had the opportunity to learn from several Israeli dances during the festival.  By sticking around throughout the night, students won raffle prizes such as iTunes or Best Buy gift cards, an iHome, an iPod Shuffle, a Kindle, and even a 15" LCD TV.

Israel Fest's positive Israel messaging extended well beyond the MSU Student Union Building, as the campus paper covered the event, providing what amounted to essentially free pro-Israel messaging throughout the university.

Sound impressive?  Take the following 3 important steps to ensure that an Israel Fest on your campus meets similar success!

1) Find a reliable co-sponsor (such as the student government) to help defray costs, and apply for the Adam and Gila Coalition-Building Grant (worth up to $1000!)

2) Tie in popular college giveaways (such as food, raffle prizes, and T-shirts) to the pro-Israel theme of the event

3) Alert the campus media of the event, or to go the extra mile, write an op ed related to the event and enter it in Hasbara Fellowships' op-ed contest!

Hasbara Fellowships is eager to help plan dozens more Israel Fests across the country - consider bringing the third annual Israel Peace Week to your campus next semester!  Ask your local Hasbara campus coordinator for details.