By: Jesse Shore

When anti-Israel bias is lacking in momentum, student leaders can devote their time to strengthening the knowledge and appreciation of Israel on campus.  In taking advantange of the relative calm with regard to Israel, Binghamton students are doing just that.

The Binghamton University Zionist Organization (BUZO) is channeling its efforts to present Israel in a way that is relevant and interesting to the typical college student.  To this effect, Hasbara Fellow and BUZO board member, Michael Snow, facilitates a seminar called Israel for Everyone that meets every other week. With the assistance of Shlomit Cymbalista, BUZO's president, the seminar enlists BUZO's board members, in addition to other well-informed students, as informal educators on all things Israel. "I think," observes Snow, "most people would characterize the campus as pro-Israel but for no real reason other than the abundance of Jewish students and lack of any significant organized voice against Israel."

The seminar, supplemented with pizza, focuses on providing students with substance and reason behind supporting Israel.  Past topics for Snow have included claims against Apartheid, Israel's wars and Israeli history.  Snow is a popular educator, leads invigorating discussions, and is a regular contributor to Pipe Dream, Binghampton's student-run newspaper. In one of his articles, Snow eloquently explains to his fellow students the significance and complexity behind the recent prisoner exchange between the Israeli government and Hamas. It can be found here: http://www2.bupipedream.com/op-ed/shalit-swap-stirs-hearts-1.2659665#.TrskVnPhHZN.