Defending Israel on College Campuses

According to Yael Eckstein, Global Executive Vice President of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship), Israel is viewed on many liberal campuses across the United States and internationally as the aggressor, while the Palestinians and the Arab world are viewed as the victims.

“In reality,” she said, “Israel is David, only nine million citizens, surrounded by Goliath – hundreds of millions of enemies – and it’s only because of God that we’ve been able to defeat all odds, win the wars and still be here today.”

She argued further that this anti-Israel hate is fueled by anti-Semitism and kept alive
by Arab financial support of large universities. “The world likes victimizing Israel because the people creating policies are largely funded by the Arab world,” she said. “So they are educating students according to the Arab
narrative because that’s who is funding them.”

In reality, Eckstein said, Israel should be viewed in a much different light. “Israel should be looked at as a modern miracle – a country that was established in an instant – a people returning to the land after thousands of years.”

She continued, “Israel is a miracle of our time that we’ve never seen before. Never has a nation been exiled for so long and then returned to their land, to their native tongue.”

Israel, she added, is a shining example of democracy - a value that is important to most young people in universities. “Israel is freedom for all - for Arab citizens, and people of all faiths and ethnicities.”

Indeed, in Israel Jews and non-Jews alike have equal rights in a region where rights for all are difficult to come by. “Israel provides rights to all different kinds of people without a distinguishing if they're Jewish, Christian or Arab,” she said.

In order to minimize the gap between how Israel is viewed on campuses and reality, Eckstein posed that re-education is necessary - students need to learn about the real Israel apart from what they may see on the news or from their professors.

“Students need to see the real Israel - not only connecting Israel to current events but connecting to the spirituality of the land, to the spiritual newness that's happening here,” voiced Eckstein.

“They need to see with their own eyes the prophetic fulfillment happening in the land, and that's what The Fellowship is showing to the world,” she said.

On The Fellowship’s website, students have access to various materials that educate about the real Israel. On the Stand for Israel blog, stories are published informing, equipping and mobilizing individuals to understand Israel and the region. Posts include up-to-date information on hot topics in the news and testimonials from supporters of Israel.

The site also encourages people to become informal advocates of Israel through discussing Israel with the local community every day. “Tell your neighbors, friends and coworkers how you feel, and try to explain why you believe Israel and America are such good friends and why America must support the Jewish state,” the site urges.

For students, it suggests, “If you are talking to someone who does not share your religious views, you might stress the fact that Israel is one of America’s staunchest allies, or that Israel is a strong democracy and deserves our backing.”

According to Eckstein, it is important “to show that Israel is a place that treats its citizens and even its enemies according to the biblical commandment of loving you neighbor as yourself, and providing them with the help that they need.”

“We’re even filling basic needs for Syrian refugees, though Syria is Israel’s enemy,” Eckstein pointed out.

This message, she said, is likely to be effective on campuses.

“Israel is a beacon of hope and light in the Middle East, and this is a message that The Fellowship is spreading around the entire world.

As God’s chosen nation, Israel is living the vision of the Bible. Eckstein pointed out, “This is why so many Jews and Christians can connect so deeply to the land, to the people, and to what is happening here in Israel.”

But one need not step foot in the land to understand this - even from abroad, it is vital that these messages are sent to young people and students alike.

The IFCJ is a non-profit promoting understanding between Christians and Jews, and building support for Israel. Learn more about IFCJ.org's reviews: https://www.charitynavigator.o...