On an everyday basis, pro-Israel students are defending Israel’s right for existence around the University campuses, which is often an uphill battle. It is so easy to get wrapped up in these negative images of Israel that are being portrayed from anti-Israel groups on campus and to spend a lot of time defending Israel, that often times Israel’s positive contribution to the world is forgotten. In order to show the University of Minnesota the positive effects Israel has globally, pro-Israel groups held Israel Club Night.
On Thursday, November 7, Israel groups on campus organized one big Israel party to recognize Israel’s accomplishments and beauty. Israel Club Night was the one event that pro-Israel students all across the political spectrum were able to celebrate Israel’s existence!
Throughout the night, there were about 75 students coming together to experience a little taste of Israel while being thousands of miles away. Students were able to indulge in some Middle Eastern food from Foxy Falafel, play in the indoor beach filled with real sand matkot (the Israeli paddle game), and dance the night away with some Israeli music. There was also a slideshow of students’ pictures from Israel playing in the background.
Although it was a chance to celebrate Israel, there is still a lot of advocacy that needs to be done around campus. There were two tables set up with tons of information about Israel and how to get involved in Israel-related groups. There are a few ways students can get involved in pro-Israel advocacy on campus. First, Hillel offers a winter break Birthright trip and a summer Birthright trip. Second, Students Supporting Israel works to educate students on Israel through events and speakers. Third, Go-for Israel organizes to lobby representatives and politicians on Israel related issues.
At this event Students Supporting Israel gave away pro-Israel t-shirts along with I <3 Israel sunglasses. There was also information on Masa Israel Programs and CAMERA.
Israel Club Night was sponsored by Hillel UMN, Students Supporting Israel, CUFI on campus, Go-for Israel, the Kramer Saxl Hillel Fellowship with additional funding from the Minneapolis Jewish Federation and Stand With Us.
Danielle Fink is a junior studying Political Science with minors in Spanish and Jewish Studies at the University of Minnesota. She is involved in Go-for Israel, Students Supporting Israel, and the Hillel student board.
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