Rachel Barton is the Southern California Regional Director of the World Zionist Organization, where she coordinates programming and educates students about Israel on campuses in the region. Barton, born in San Diego and currently living in Los Angeles, graduated from UCLA with a BA in Anthropology. After school, Rachel decided to pursue a career in the Jewish nonprofit sector and found a wonderful match with WZO. Rachel has been a great partner to the ICC, attending a partner dinner for a Regional Training for professionals and speaking on a panel for the California State University Study Abroad to Israel Summit. After a busy year of programming and education, Rachel will be leaving WZO to earn master’s degrees in Social Work and Jewish Nonprofit Management with University of Southern California and Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.
Q: What does Israel advocacy mean to you?
The key to Israel advocacy is education. In order for people to support Israel and appreciate all that Israel stands for, we must strive to create conversations that illustrate the complexities of the State and bring to life the richness of its culture and history.
Q: Why do you feel it’s important to create a positive Israel atmosphere on campus?
The conversations about Israel that occur on campuses are often very politically charged and draw attention to the negative, just as we see Israel portrayed negatively in the media. Those conversations need to be counterbalanced with education about Israel beyond the conflict, so that all of its many facets are given proper light and more people are drawn into the conversation.
Q: What campus are you traveling to next and what will you be doing there?
On June 3rd UCSD will be hosting the WZO’s Amazing Israel Race, a giant Israel-themed scavenger hunt with educational booths and challenges that focus on various aspects of Israeli society. Teams will race to the finish line for a chance to win a (nearly) free flight to Israel!
Q: Where is your favorite place to go in Israel?
Just like any other young person, I love visiting Tel Aviv…but my heart is in Jerusalem since that’s where I lived in 2010-11.
Q: What is your favorite Israeli food?
I love sipping an ice-cold “limonana” on a hot day!
Q: When is the next time you’re going to be in Israel?
I’ll be in Israel in December for a seminar with HUC-JIR…can’t wait!