CAMERA’s Emet for Israel supported group at SUNY Albany, Great Danes for Israel, held their first Annual Leadership Banquet went off with ought a hitch. With over 75 students and faculty in attendance as well as representatives from over 20 key student organizations, the banquet was extremely successful and well attended.
There was a distinguished presence from leaders in three key organizations: The Student Association, ASUBA (Albany State University Black Alliance), and Hillel. Students enjoyed their three course meals and had the opportunity to learn about Israel from various different viewpoints.
Alex Schieber, CAMERA Intern and President of Great Danes for Israel, welcomed everyone to the banquet and expressed his appreciation for the banquets many co-sponsors and shared the importance of the student leaders attendance. Alex reminded these leaders that with their influential voices we could stop anti-Israel sentiment and bias as well as the BDS movement at UAlbany.
The participants then heard from students Peter Mustazza (Activist), Tiran Koran (Commander in the IDF), & Marc Cohen (Politician) and saw some videos, including a segment from Jerusalem U’s “Crossing the Line 2”. Keynote speaker Dumisani Washington’s energetic lecture enticed all in the room, leaving many waiting in line after the banquet to ask questions and thank him for his presentation.
Kelsey Pirnak, Director of Programming of Great Danes for Israel, closed the banquet off by reminding all in attendance that the conversation about Israel does not end tonight, and advised them to use herself as well as Great Danes for Israel as a recourse to continue the conversation about Israel at the University.
This was contributed by CAMERA Intern Alex Schieber, President of the SUNY Albany Emet for Israel supported group, Great Danes for Israel.