This November, CAMERA on Campus concluded an inspiring nationwide tour with Adiel Cohen, a prominent social media activist and storyteller. The tour highlighted Yemenite Jewish heritage, bringing Adiel’s personal family history to life through powerful narratives and engaging discussions.
Cohen, widely known for his vibrant online presence, boasting almost 200,000 followers across socials, captivated students at ten prestigious institutions: the University of Chicago, University of South Florida, University of Florida, University of Southern California, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, University of California, Davis, University of California, San Diego, Brandeis University, McGill University and Northeastern University.
At each stop, Adiel shared the poignant story of his Safta’s (grandmother’s) childhood in Yemen and her extraordinary journey to Israel during Operation Magic Carpet, or as many Yemenite Jews referred to it, On Wings of Eagles, a rescue operation to bring the community to safety between June 1949 and September 1950.
“This tour has been an incredible opportunity to connect with students and share the rich history of Yemenite Jews—a story of resilience and cultural pride,” said Cohen. “Hearing students’ reflections and questions reminded me of the power of storytelling to build bridges and inspire understanding.”
In addition to the events, CAMERA on Campus set up tabling initiatives across campuses, engaging with thousands of students from diverse backgrounds. These efforts not only sparked interest in Yemenite Jewish heritage but also fostered discussions on the broader history of Jewish communities in the Middle East.
“Tabling on the quad allowed us to reach students who may not have otherwise engaged with this history,” said Shelly Khaikin, 2024-2025 CAMERA Fellow and director of education of CAMERA supported group, Tritons for Israel. “Seeing students pause, ask questions, and take CAMERA created Mizrahi Stories educational materials is a testament to the impact we can make when we create spaces for dialogue and learning.”
Meanwhile, radical antisemites objected to the tour. At one tour stop, the University of Florida, pro-Hamas students staged a walkout, with one protester telling Cohen to “enjoy killing children.” For this group of bigoted students, learning Jewish history through family stories was too much to bear.
The tour received glowing feedback, with students applauding the unique blend of personal storytelling and historical education. “Adiel Cohen’s visit was incredibly moving and educational,” said Raphael Myers, 2024-2025 CAMERA Fellow at UC Davis. “I walked away with a deeper appreciation for the resilience of the Yemenite Jewish community and a renewed sense of curiosity about Jewish heritage.”
CAMERA on Campus looks forward to continuing its mission to foster understanding and combat misinformation about Israel and the Middle East.
About CAMERA on Campus:
The Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis (CAMERA) on Campus empowers students to advocate for accurate and balanced coverage of Israel and the Middle East while fostering inclusive dialogue about Jewish and Israeli heritage.
Media Contact:
Adam Gordon
Communications Manager
adam@camera.org