By: Alan Levine

Aztecs for Israel, the Israel action group at San Diego State University is on the rise.  The group had been dormant for two years, but is now resurging under the leadership of president, Michelle Golan, and vice president and Hasbara Fellow, Jason Edney.

Aztecs for Israel ran the Hasbara campaign, “Flags for Humanity” this week with resounding success.  Edney said that the campaign, which was run in the middle of campus, was so successful because many interested people approached the Aztecs for Israel.

Part of the genius of the campaign is that the campaign posters contain the flags of all the countries which have received humanitarian aid from Israel.  The campaign thus attracts a diverse group of students. When a student of any heritage sees the flag of his/her roots on a poster, he may come close to see what the campaign is all about.  He will then learn that his country of origin received humanitarian aid from Israel.

Aztecs for Israel was able to take advantage of this opportunity to educate their fellow San Diego State students.  Edney said the group received positive feedback from members of the College Republicans, Campus Democrats, ISCOR Student Society, Hillel, JSU, ROTC, and other campus groups.

AFI followed up the campaign with an informational meeting the next day.  Edney said he was pleasantly surprised with the diversity of people who attended.  “It was clear that people were engaged and energized,” said Edney.

This week, AFI will be hosting the event, “Israeli Soldiers Speak Out.”  Edney said they expect a diverse crowd yet again for this event.  New AFI members, who include members of AEPi and Army ROTC are reaching out to their respective campus communities in order to invite them to the event.

AFI is intent on proving to their campus that support for Israel is a goal that can bring Jews and non-Jews together. The group already appears well on its way to achieving that goal.