Write on for Israel

Anti-Israel activism is rampant on college campuses throughout the United States. Many academics, charismatic speakers, and influential student leaders present the Israeli-Palestinian situation in a one-sided manner, blaming the conflict on Israel and largely ignoring Palestinian terrorism, violence, and absence at the negotiating table.

Often, misinformation and unfounded accusations are seen as the norm. Israel is called an “apartheid state” and has been compared to Nazi Germany during anti-Israel conferences and rallies; Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions conferences and other pro-Palestinian programs are being held on campuses; annual “Israel Apartheid” weeks are planned. On some campuses, anti-Israel groups have attempted to intimidate pro-Israel advocates and heckle pro-Israel speakers.

The Community Relations Committee of Greater MetroWest NJ, in collaboration with the Partnership for Jewish Learning and Life, wants to ensure that all Greater MetroWest students are inspired and prepared with effective skills when they begin their college experience. The CRC is making it possible for a select group of Jewish high school juniors in our community to participate in Write On For Israel, a two-year teen advocacy project of The Jewish Week. The program teaches students about Israel, Zionism, and the Arab-Israeli conflict and empowers them to become effective advocates through writing, broadcasting, and public speaking. The program also includes a trip to Israel.

Participants learn from top experts how to be proactive and how to handle a wide range of situations that could occur on campus. Although not all students will encounter anti-Israel sentiment, WOFI makes certain that each can take pride in being pro-Israel.

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As a result of generous funding by Milly Iris and Family, The Cooperman Family Fund for a Jewish Future, Peter Feinberg, Amy Holtz, and Michael Simon, Greater MetroWest is able to underwrite the cost of participation in Write On For Israel.

As you prepare your teens to return to school, consider providing them with these life-changing experiences. To learn more, visit the WOFI website, www.jfedgmw.org/wofi, or contact the CRC at 973-929-3087. The due date for applications is Sept. 15.