Our August Hasbara Fellows have just landed in Israel, kicking off a powerful journey of learning, leadership, and action. They gathered today at Ben Gurion Airport with a shared commitment: to return ready to lead on campus and stand up against antisemitism.
This program is more than a trip. It’s a training ground for tomorrow’s Jewish leaders. Over the next ten days, our students will engage with Israeli officials, educators, and changemakers, gaining first hand insight into the reality on the ground in Israel. With your support, we are equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to speak out, build coalitions, and defend the Jewish people on college campuses across North America.
Our August delegation kicked off their trip by traveling to their first stop – Jerusalem. We enjoy starting our trip here to give them the opportunity to learn more about the capital’s rich history and religious significance.
While in Jerusalem, students had the opportunity to visit the Tower of David, an ancient citadel located in the Old City. The citadel holds many artifacts that date back to the era of the First Temple and Second Temple. There, they learned about the ancient history of Jerusalem, going back over 4,000 years.
After touring the Tower of David, the fellows walked through the Jewish quarter of the Old City and made their way to the Kotel, the Western Wall. At the Kotel, the fellows had the opportunity to take a moment to reflect and connect.
The Fellows are in Israel to learn how to best advocate for Israel and defeat antisemitism on their campuses. But this delegation has an added significance. This summer was marked of course by Israel’s 12 day war with Iran. While the war led to remarkable achievements, thousands of students flew back to their home countries from Israel. Israel has been nearly emptied of international students this summer. For that reason, we feel that this delegation–our first since the Iran War–makes an important statement.
Though these students may face blowback for standing proudly with Israel on their campuses, this delegation is making an important statement–that we are not afraid to stand proudly with Israel. Not now, not ever.
The Fellows in their opening briefing with Asher Fredman, Director of Misgav Institute for National Security
