הצהרת משימה

University campuses around the world have increasingly become hotbeds of dishonest campaigns against Israel and Zionists. Inflammatory literature, anti-Israel courses, extremist speakers, biased student newspapers, disinformation campaigns, and violent activism. Together, they form an ecosystem sustained by distortion, bigotry, and intellectual complacency.

It is understandable for students to feel intimidated by this environment, especially those seeking fair and objective information on Middle East issues or simply a space to engage with them honestly. Few students are prepared for situations like being singled out by an antizionist professor in class, being confronted in public for wearing a Magen David necklace, or seeing pro-Hamas graffiti appear across campus.

This is where CAMERA comes in. 

The Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis (CAMERA) provides students with the tools and support to navigate this environment through our Fellowship וותכנית המלגות Coalition Programs. Our staff work closely with fellows to develop their skills, confidence, and ability to engage effectively on campus. This includes connecting students with scholars and experts to host educational events, supporting pro-Israel student initiatives, teaching research and writing for publication, and developing the skills needed to engage in productive and informed conversations.

Students who want to become thoughtful and effective leaders in their communities will find a home with us.

ערכי הליבה של CAMERA:

1. Seeking truth and confronting lies is paramount

CAMERA is first and foremost a non-religious, non-political media watchdog organization. Our work begins with a simple premise: the truth matters, and distortion should be challenged.

Students increasingly find themselves on one of the many intellectual fronts where these ideas are contested. In that environment, truth is not just a principle, it is the most effective tool we have. We believe that developing honest and inquisitive minds will naturally lead to supporting Israel against terrorism and all Zionists against bigotry.

2. Every generation must be trained to navigate complexity

CAMERA understands that each generation faces new versions of the same underlying challenges in the search for truth and justice and should be adequately equipped to understand and respond to them. We are committed to presenting the full scope of issues related to Israel and the Middle East, whether or not they are comfortable or widely discussed. We emphasize that lesser-known topics are often just as important as the ones that dominate headlines, and that both require serious engagement.

Our students are trained to approach these issues with confidence grounded in knowledge. When individuals understand the facts, they are far less likely to be intimidated into silence, even in environments where these conversations are difficult.

3. Zionism is a civil rights movement that deserves to flourish

CAMERA affirms that Zionism is a civil rights movement rooted in the principle that the Jewish people, like any other people, are entitled to self-determination in their ancestral homeland.

We emphasize developing informed, responsible Zionist leaders who are equipped to speak with clarity, challenge distortion, and represent these ideas with confidence, even in environments where they are contested. Strong support for that principle is not limited to any one identity.

Anyone, anywhere, can engage seriously with the facts and take part in advancing them.

• “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

• “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

• “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

• “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