Elon Hillel will send a delegation of students to 2019 AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. in March.
“What I really want,” said Steven Klausner ’20, taking a sip from his water glass, “is to kindle the fire about all things Israel in my peers.”
“I want us to have to have an open and respectful conversation about Israel,” he added, looking out the window at groups of Elon students strolling down North Williamson Avenue, “whether you believe in one-state solution, a two-state solution or a five-state solution. I want people to know that Israel is a haven for LGBTQIA rights, the only country in the Middle East with free and fair elections and a representative democracy, whether or not you agree with the current prime minister, or his political policies. I want to talk about what it means to support Israel at Elon.”
First, Klausner signed up to be the Elon AIPAC campus liaison, a role many here on campus don’t even know even exists. Then, AIPAC invited Klausner to be a peer facilitator, and he participated in national conferences representing Elon and helping hundreds of high school students learn how to advocate for Israel themselves.
“Steven’s energy and commitment to AIPAC and pro-Israel leadership on Elon’s campus is inspiring,” commented Michele Freesman, senior national engagement field organizer for AIPAC. “It is such a pleasure to work with him, and to see the impact of his leadership at Elon.”
So what now? Klausner wants to create an intentional space on Elon’s campus, through Hillel, Elon’s Jewish student organization, for a conversation about Israel, build a cohort of students who are as passionate as he is about advocating for a strong Israel, and encourage his peers to attend the upcoming AIPAC policy conference in the spring of 2019.
“Most students, even Jewish students, don’t even know what to think about Israel,” said Steven “and Hillel is a great place to begin the conversation about supporting Israel because it has an established network of passionate and determined students. Many students on campus are hesitant to have conversations about the Israel-Palestinian Conflict because they feel uniformed, and I believe that Hillel has the capacity to facilitate these conversations in a way that is both productive and inclusive of all viewpoints.”
Klausner believes that now is the time to start creating the space for this to happen. Hate crimes against Jews are on the rise, according to recent studies, and the horrifying shooting in Pittsburgh targeting Jewish worshippers in a synagogue has heightened awareness in the United States about the increase in anti-Semitism.
“The way Steven uses his immense passion for and knowledge about Israel is inspiring, He is a natural leader who is making it his mission to help other students connect with Israel connections with Israel,” said Betsy Polk, director of Jewish life at Elon. “It’s a joy to be able to provide him with the space and resources for these important conversations.”
Collaboration is the key to Klausner's vision for Israel advocacy and heightening awareness of anti-Semitism on campus, and is part of the work that AIPAC does at colleges and universities across the country.
“Elon is very unique,” he explained. “We have a prominent and active Jewish population and strong focus on multifaith understanding. I hope Hillel can partner with other religious groups on campus and with academic departments, to integrate all the moving parts that have a vested interest in promoting pro-Israel awareness without making it political. Because that is not the goal, it shouldn’t have to be political – supporting the only free and open democracy in the Middle East should be a goal for everyone.”
Jewish Life at Elon offers many opportunities for students to be involved with Israel on campus, from participating in Birthright and Birthright Excel, to celebrating Israeli holidays, cooking and tasting Israeli food, celebrating Israeli culture and innovation, and providing opportunities for internships, programs, and study abroad. But Klausner wants more.
“When Jewish students choose a university, they are looking for a robust Jewish life that is more than just religious observance and cultural Judaism," he said. "We are also looking to be involved with Israel, to have honest and real conversations, and celebrate our deep connection to Israel together.”
Klausner is studying abroad in Haifa, and he hopes to come back from Israel ready to jump-start his dream of advocacy on campus.
“Our Jewish community is stronger than ever," he said. "We all have a role to play in the movement, no matter how Jewish you are, and no matter your political views. We have an obligation to make sure that all people are being respected and have the right to practice their religion freely, and that is what Israel advocacy is all about. Let’s make these conversations happen at Elon!”
Thanks to Steven’s leadership, Elon Hillel will send a delegation to the 2019 AIPAC Policy Conference, which runs from 3/24/19 to 3/26/19 in Washington, D.C. AIPAC Policy Conference cost are generously subsidized by Robin and Mark Spiegel and Mr. and Mrs. Jon Brenner Kurtz, so please don’t let price be a deterrent to participation.