By: Abram Shanedling

After a whirlwind tour across the Midwest last week– from Madison to Chicago, Illinois to East Lansing – it was clear that student Israel action groups across the Midwest are finding time, even through mid-term season, to actively support Israel.

At the University of Illinois last Wednesday, I met with students Tali Segev, Julie Levitt and Hasbara Fellows Tahli Hanuka and Jessica Ost. The four undergrads have been working hard this semester providing multiple educational and awareness opportunities on campus about Israel. Along with bringing in various Middle East experts, including Daniel Pipes, the students are also regularly engaging students about captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, the threat of a nuclear Iran as well as the benefits for businesses of investing in Israeli industry.

During my visit at Illinois, I also spoke to a group of students in the Maimonides program about countering the most common anti-Israel claims and the need for greater activism.

Meanwhile, up in East Lansing, Michigan State students and pro-Israel activists Avery Mendelson, Ariel Sindel, Ziev Beresh and Hasbara Fellow Jackie Schwartz have also been coordinating several new opportunities to learn about Israel’s culture. The first is next Wednesday, Oct. 27, when Hillel is sponsoring Israel Fest 2010 at the MSU union – a celebration of Israeli culture and contributions to the world. And beginning hopefully at the end of the month, Mendelson is hoping to begin a new series of Israel Campus Advocacy Training (ICAT) courses for students both at beginner and advanced levels.

Back East though in Maryland, human rights are getting the spotlight. At 7:30 pm this Wednesday, Oct. 20, the ZOA at UMD, under the leadership of Dan Berdugo, along with Hasbara Fellowships and The David Project, are hosting Middle East expert Aryeh Green, who will speak about freedom and democracy in the region.