The Israel Club at Brooklyn College hosted Brooke Goldstein, a New York City-based human rights attorney, author, and award-winning filmmaker, for a discussion examining human rights issues in the Middle East with a focus on children in the West Bank and Gaza. The kickoff event, cosponsored by CAMERA and The Brooklyn College Chapter of The New York State Israel Public Affairs Committee (NYSIPAC), had a turnout of over 60 students, representing varying views. CAMERA Fellow and Israel Club Board Member, Hayeem Rudy, believed that “Goldstein’s talk shed light on the shocking violation of children’s rights perpetrated by extremist groups in the West Bank and Gaza.”
Later in the semester, The Israel Club hosted a discussion with IDF Sergeant Benjamin Anthony, who talked about the ethical considerations that the Israeli military faces on a daily basis. This event was incredibly successful, bringing together over 80 students from across the Brooklyn College Campus. Rudy said that one student told him that this was the most eye-opening event he had ever attended at Brooklyn College.
Next semester, the pro-Israel club will continue hosting informative events, showcasing the great things about Israel besides the conversation about the Arab Israeli conflict. Rudy says that the group is “looking forward to bridging the gap between the students at Brooklyn College.”