Increasingly, campuses have been the scene of propagandistic assaults on Israel. Distorted literature, extreme speakers and false, inflammatory images are all too common, creating harmful misperceptions of Israel. This hostile environment can be intimidating to students seeking fair and objective information on Middle East issues.
Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis (CAMERA) provides assistance to students through the CAMERA-Supported Group and CAMERA Fellowship programs. This includes guidance in finding and connecting with speakers or films, planning and creating events, funding for student groups, and addressing Middle East distortions in campus publications, fliers, rallies, and classroom teaching. Students are provided with the support for bravely and publicly defending Israel against hostility and distortions on campus.
CAMERA’s Core Values:
1. An unshakeable belief in the causes of Zionism and Israel
CAMERA knows that strong Zionists do not have to be Jewish—that anyone, anywhere can help to strengthen the Zionist core. We understand, and communicate to our students, that knowledge of the facts and the truth can empower anyone, regardless of race, location, or ethnicity, to stand up for Israel, even in a sea of dissent or apathy.
2. The absolute necessity for truth telling regarding Israel and for confronting lies at every turn
CAMERA knows that training students to write effective articles, letters-to-the-editor, and op-eds is imperative in voicing an accurate, pro-Israel message. Our students’ writing has single-handedly promoted accurate, Zionist coverage of the situation in and around Israel on many campuses. Our students confront inaccuracy in the classroom, in the paper, and on the campus quad.
Our philosophy on speaking openly for Israel enables students to network with activists all over the country, and they recommend our programs to others.
3. The truth must be spoken publicly, with knowledge and confidence
CAMERA is determined to tell the truth of all aspects of the situation in Israel and the Middle East, whether or not they are pleasant for the audience to hear. CAMERA teaches our students that even little-known topics should be covered and understood by the public, especially by the newest generations of leaders- university students. Our students are willing to stand up and educate others about difficult topics, because they are armed with the facts and can therefore not be intimidated into silence.
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“I cannot thank CAMERA’s staff and fellows enough for all the valuable lessons I’ve learned these past two years. I have grown as a writer, managed to get articles published in prestigious outlets such as The Jerusalem Post, The Algemeiner and JNS, and always strived to fight against anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism. I will always defend Israel against the unfair criticism it receives, and thankfully CAMERA has equipped me to do this in a well thought out and researched manner.”
—Ben Stone, 2020-2021 CAMERA Fellow at Duke University
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“Being a CAMERA on Campus Fellow was a true pleasure and a perfect way to close out my college career. From the amazing International CAMERA Conference to the incredible community they foster, to their inspiring staff, I was able to thrive as an activist at my university. Not only was CAMERA able to facilitate my hosting an incredible event with a world-renown international law scholar, but they assisted me in writing and publishing three articles regarding anti-Israel rhetoric on my campus. CAMERA made me a better advocate for the Jewish state by giving me the tools to stand up to, and expose misinformation and bias in the classroom.”
—Harrison Kerdman, 2020-2021 CAMERA Fellow at the University of California, Santa Barbara
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“My experience with CAMERA On Campus was crucial to my development as a writer, Zionist, team member, and person. I was never without support from staff and peers, and more importantly, was never afraid to reach out with any questions pertaining to my fellowship. I learned more about my own Jewish history and Zionism than I would have ever been able to learn elsewhere, enabling me to feel more passionate about the cause and my own Nation. The structure of the Fellowship itself lead me to make connections with fascinating people, form friendships, and learn skills I can use with every next opportunity.”
—Isabel Davidson, 2020-2021 CAMERA Fellow at Case Reserve Western University
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“My second year of the CAMERA fellowship may now be officially complete, but I couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you for everything, Douglas. You were always there when I needed to think out my ideas, and you always encouraged me to do my best and improve my writing. All of your edits and comments really helped me think through the op-eds and what it means to write about the facts to stop the spread of misinformation. I feel like I am more equipped now than I ever was to stand up for myself, my religion, my culture, and the people around me. This fellowship also really helped me continue toward my goal of being an investigative journalist. I know how to layout an article and what to include and not to. Thank you for all the help!”
—Monica Sager, 2020-2021 CAMERA Fellow
