“It’s the state of Israel I’m against, not the Jewish people.” A mere justification to continue pushing an irrational narrative. “I’m anti-Zionist, not anti-Semitic.” A clarification to dispel any notion that one can discriminate against an entire group of people. “Make America Great Again.” All expressions that evoke a specific...
The Identity Crisis of the Cautious Zionist
One warm afternoon this past semester, I found myself in the car of a Saudi girl. We hadn’t met before – she was a friend of a friend — and had offered to drive us somewhere. While we were in the car, I blurted something out to my friend. At...
No question about it, anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism
“It’s the state of Israel I’m against, not the Jewish people.” This statement is a mere justification to continue pushing an irrational narrative. “I’m anti-Zionist, not anti-Semitic,” is a clarification to dispel any notion that one can discriminate against an entire group of people. “Make America Great Again.” These are...
Tough Love
Clark, you haven’t always been easy on me. In fact, as soon as I found my fervor for Israel and began putting that passion to use, there were times when you left me feeling bullied, deeply pained, lonely, and drained. There were times when you left me in an isolated...
Wall Brings Pro-Israel Pride to Cal State Long Beach
Hailed as their most successful event of the year, 49ers for Israel at California State University Long Beach (CSULB) set up a Peace Wall on campus. The wall was one of seven events held for Cal State Long Beach’s Israel Week 2016, which aimed to showcase Israel’s vibrant culture through art, music and food,...
An Open Letter to the Stanford Community
On May 14, 1948, in the small Tel Aviv Art Museum, the Jewish state of Israel declared its independence. The following day, Israel was attacked on all sides as the armies of Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq invaded. The intention of the five invading nations was clear. In the Egyptian newspaper...
Chloe Valdary Inspires Zionism at Baruch College
On Thursday March 31st, The Youth Organization for Israel, the pro-Israel organization at Baruch College, had the privilege of hosting Chloe Valdary. She is an African American pro-Israel activist, who speaks at various universities across the country about Israel activism and the importance of taking a stand to support the things...
A Day with AIPAC Protesters: A Memoir
From presidential candidates to a spectacular rotating stage that left me with more questions than answers, AIPAC put their entire heart into throwing the Super Bowl of Israel conferences. Organizers go above and beyond to ensure we leave the conference with a better understanding of Israel’s past, present, and future....