July 2, 2008
One of the overarching goals of the Israel on Campus Coalition is to enhance communication among member organizations, so it was only fitting that the ICC’s Spring Consultation, held in Washington, DC, on June 12, 2008 was filled with opportunities for attendees to discuss the 2007-08 academic year. Specifically, participants reviewed the Israel in Academia initiative, analyzed campus trends, consulted with each other on ways member organizations can best collaborate, and brainstormed ideas for enhancing internal ICC processes. In small discussion sessions, over informal lunchtime conversations, and as a large group, representatives of ICC member organizations spent the day reflecting on the year that just ended and beginning to make plans for the year ahead.
To enhance the conversation about the Israel in Academia initiative, consultation participants were privileged to hear firsthand about the state of Israel education on campus from Dr. Avi Beker, on leave from his position at Tel Aviv University and currently serving as visiting professor of government at Georgetown University. Dr. Beker commented on students’ lack of knowledge of basic facts about Israel’s creation and modern history and emphasized the importance of explaining historical inaccuracies in order to “set the record straight.” He also encouraged those responsible for developing curricula about Israel to include information about Jewish refugees from Arab countries.
During an afternoon session, member organization representatives worked together in small groups to analyze trends from the past academic year and to offer predictions for campus trends in the year to come. A major theme that emerged is increased political awareness among students due to the upcoming US presidential election. With this contest to be decided in early November, the challenge for member organizations will be to capitalize on the energy and enthusiasm expected to spring from it. Other notable predicted campus trends include a focus on Israeli politics, an increase in “Jewish lobby” rhetoric, and additional attention on events in Iraq and Iran.
To round out the day, members of the Steering Committee presented the ICC’s annual awards to individuals and organizations that made outstanding contributions to Israel education and advocacy on campus during the 2007-08 academic year. Recipients of the awards included student groups from Columbia University and Princeton University; ICC member organizations Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity and MASA: Israel Journey; and the Legacy Heritage Fund Limited.
During the academic year, hectic schedules, heavy campus responsibilities and endless opportunities to connect with students often prevent representatives of ICC organizations from connecting with other ICC colleagues as much as they would like. It is for this reason that ICC consultations are so instrumental. In between all the formal evaluations and discussions, some of the most important work of the day happened: participants talked to each other about the work of their respective organizations, learned about each other’s priorities, and imagined ways in which they can work together to truly enhance the pro-Israel climate on college campuses. We look forward to seeing the results when school begins again in the fall.