On March 31st, Clark University, in conjunction with the Committee for Accuracy in Middle Eastern Reporting in America, CAMERA, hosted one of the Clarkies Helping and Advocating for Israel’s most successful events of the year: LGBTQA* Rights in Israel featuring Assi Azar, host of Israel’s own “Big Brother”. To an audience which consisted of former and current Israeli emissaries, gay rights activists, and co-sponsors from Amnesty International, Assi gave an inspiring talk about his experience growing up and coming out in Israel.
Beginning first with his documentary, Assi moved the audience with the touching story of his parents’ eventual acceptance of his homosexuality. The journey wasn’t easy, he described, and in his arrogance, he left behind the feelings of his parents. His documentary, Assi explained, was not only an apology to his parents for his misunderstanding, but a coming to terms with his parents’ delayed acceptance of his sexuality.
Hosted by CAMERA fellow Seth Greenwald, Assi Azar was the final of many successful events throughout the year, including, of course, “Less Hamas More Hummus” featuring Noam Bedein, Kay Wilson, and Kasim Hafeez in conjunction with CAMERA. It has been an incredible year for Clark and the pro-Israel community.
We as a community look forward to continued and greater success in the coming year at Clark and beyond.