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By: Natalie Menaged

Israel activism is on fire this semester down in sunny Florida!

At the University of Florida, Gators for Israel hosted their third Gators for Israel Campus Leaders Reception, attended by top-tier campus leaders including the University President, the Vice President for Student Affairs, two college deans, the Student Body President, the Student Body Treasurer, over eight Student Senators, and Presidents of several fraternities.   Consul General of Israel to Florida & Puerto Rico Ofer Bavly was a great draw for student leaders.  Gators for Israel engaged with all the students present, explaining why supporting the U.S.-Israel relationship matters to all members of our campus community.

Gators for Israel also got great newspaper coverage for a Spanish-language event featuring Bavly the evening before, an event that was an official collaboration between Hispanic Heritage Month and the Jewish Student Union.

Last week, Gators for Israel hosted Hasbara Fellowships National Director Natalie Menaged (that’s me!) for an activism training and current events analysis for student leaders in the Israel activism movement on campus.  Hasbara is also helping the students plan a fantastic Israel Awareness Week, chaired by Hasbara Fellow Claire Miller. Programming will include appearances by Israel Bedouin diplomat Ishmael Khaldi and Jerusalem Post reporter Gil Hoffman, as well as the distribution of various Hasbara materials.

Congratulations to Claire, GFI president Rafael Yaniz, the incredible Hillel staff, and all of the other students and staff doing wonderful work on behalf of Israel at UF!

There has been a huge increase in pro-Israel activity at Florida State University over the past year.  Noles for Israel, led by Hasbara Fellow Ilana Goldenberg, organized a number of successful events during Israel Week last spring (including a great Israel 360 event), and has continued the trend with great kickoff events this semester.  Assisted by a great team that includes Hasbara Fellows Rachel Tanenbaum, Daniel Ackerman, and Ron Barhai, Noles for Israel has forged coalitions with many non-Jewish campus organizations, and has enlisted the direct support and leadership involvement of prominent student leaders, including representatives of the Student Govenmernt (such as incoming Hasbara Fellow Harrison DuBosar), the African-American community, the observant Christian community, and others.

Last week, Florida State hosted Hasbara Fellowships National Director Natalie Menaged (me again!) for two fantastic events. The first session was an intimate activism training briefing for core membership, while the second lecture was an open event on current events, and was attended by a diverse and highly engaged audience.

Congratulations to all of the Israel activists and supportive Hillel staff at Florida State University. Keep an eye on this campus – it’s on the rise!