FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BOSTON, April 7th, 2025 – CAMERA on Campus is proud to announce the launch of its fifth annual “This is Zionism” campaign, dedicated to empowering students worldwide to advocate for Jewish self-determination and to combat the pervasive misinformation surrounding Zionism.
Following Hamas’s brutal attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the disruptive Spring 2024 campus encampments led by terrorist sympathizers, anti-Zionist rhetoric has intensified at colleges nationwide.
Groups such as Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) have promoted false narratives equating Zionism with “white supremacy,” “racism,” and “ethnic cleansing,” fueling antisemitism and creating a hostile atmosphere for Jewish students.
“The active discrimination and hatred on college campuses against students for the perceived crime of supporting the existence of a Jewish state, on the land Jewish people came from, is insanity,” explains Hali Spiegel, Campus Director for CAMERA. “Our job is to empower students to be proud of their support for Jewish self-determination and not let these bigots stoke hatred towards Jews and the State of Israel, the homeland of the Jewish people.”
The “This is Zionism” campaign unites a vast network of CAMERA Fellows, coalition group members, and supporters to speak the truth where it needs to be most heard. Building on the success of previous initiatives, this year’s campaign features an updated and comprehensive website (zionism.me) offering resources to understand Zionism and effectively respond to attacks.
The campaign also includes a series of talks from prominent speakers including Shai DeLuca, a robust social media presence, and community events across campuses in the United States, Canada, Israel, and the United Kingdom.
“Since Hamas’ massacre of Israeli civilians on October 7, Zionist students on campuses across the world are being targeted like never before,” says Douglas Sandoval, Managing Director for CAMERA on Campus. “Students who believe in the right of the Jewish people to self-determination in their indigenous homeland need our support.”
CAMERA Fellows have expressed their commitment to the campaign:
- Hannah Curtis, a 2024-2025 CAMERA Fellow at City University of London, states, “As president of the Israel Society, I have gained ample experience planning educational events and engaging in open dialogue about Israel’s culture, history, and geopolitical situation. I strive to play a significant role in encouraging a balanced viewpoint on Israel among my peers.”
- Orli Ruback, a 2024-2025 CAMERA Fellow at the University of Birmingham, shares, “I am proud to participate in the ‘This is Zionism’ campaign. As a committee member of both Birmingham Jsoc and Israel Society, I organize weekly Friday night dinners and collaborate on events to educate students about Israel.”
- Jacqueline Snidman-Stren, a 2024-2025 CAMERA Fellow at Concordia University, remarks, “Through my studies in Judaic Studies and Law, and my involvement with numerous Jewish organizations, I aim to give back to the Jewish community and combat antisemitism on campus.”
- Brandon Ostfeld, a 2024-2025 CMAERA Fellow at Florida State University, shared, “In today’s campus environment, where misinformation often prevails, this campaign provides a platform to share the rich history and diverse perspectives of the Zionist movement. We aim to show our classmates that Zionism isn’t some scary buzzword – it’s about people, culture, and a homeland that means the world to us.”
“Anti-Israel bias is a growing problem on college and university campuses, and we must take action to combat it,” says Sasha Chernyak, social media manager for CAMERA on Campus. “The ‘This is Zionism’ campaign provides students with the tools and confidence to stand up against misinformation and antisemitism.”
There are numerous ways to participate in the campaign. For more information, visit www.zionism.me and follow @CAMERAonCampus on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. You can also join @ThisIsZionism and submit your Zionism story, or post on your own with #ThisIsZionism.
Are you interested in contributing to the campaign? Visit thisiszionism.net to pledge your support for the State of Israel and to share your Zionist pride.
For more information about CAMERA on Campus, follow this link: https://cameraoncampus.org/.
Media Contact:
אדם גורדון
Communications Manager, CAMERA on Campus
Email: adam@camera.org
CAMERA on Campus is a program of the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis (CAMERA), providing support to students engaged in pro-Israel advocacy. Learn more about us at https://cameraoncampus.org/about-us/
