Solving antisemitism in universities
- 2. The Problem Brainwashing students Anti-Israel and antisemitic groups and clubs on college campuses are promoting lies, false narratives and hatred aimed at Israel and Jews in general Future leaders affected These students are the politicians, voters and business leaders of the near future American universities are turning impressionable students against Israel through misinformation campaigns
- 3. How is this happening? Recruiting students Antisemitic clubs have a large presence on campus. They recruit impressionable students and fill them with untrue and hate-filled messages about Israel and "the Jews" in general. Too Late Once students join these groups and are attending protests and meetings, it's too late. Regardless of what facts or proof they are shown to the contrary, they are convinced that Israel (and Jews) are evil, colonizers, murderers, etc...
- 4. The Solution Reach these impressionable students BEFORE the hate groups connect with them! Educate them about the Israeli Palestinian conflict in a factual, historically accurate, balanced and peaceful way. Show them the truth about Israel and the Jewish state... before they are poisoned by the hate groups.
- 5. HOW? Create NEW Program: Christians United For Peace in the Middle East A FREE "Birthright" style trip to Israel, exclusively for Christian, FRESHMAN students. Students will gain a deep understanding of the history of the Israeli Palestinian conflict and the middle east in general. The trip will NOT be promoted as a pro Israel trip, but rather a "neutral" experience, with Arab, Christian and Jewish tour guides who will educate while describing their personal experiences as citizens of Israel with full rights, representation in government, robust democracy, etc... The messaging will drive the point about equal rights and to dispel the claims of apartheid and other such lies promoted by the hate groups.
- 6. Potential Trip Itinerary Visit Holy sites of Christians and Muslim along with their historical significance. Visit the Western Wall, City of David, Massada, etc... Yad Vashem to understand the holocaust and why Israel is so important to Jews. Tel Aviv (fun, beach, nightlife, etc...) Dead Sea Tiberias and the Golan Heights... (along with the danger posed by Hezbollah)
- 7. Themes & Learnings on Trip Fun, fun, fun (spend time with Israelis, nightclubs, bars, beaches, hikes, etc...) Israel is a democracy with equal rights, govt representation and educational opportunities for its 2 million arab citizens. (clearly not an apartheid) The history of the Jewish people in Israel prior to 1948, dispelling the lie that we are colonizers. Clear understanding of past peace offers made to the Palestinians which they refused in 1947, 1967, 1973, Oslo accords and our complete exit from Gaza in 2005. Get to know the true warmth, hospitality and peaceful aspirations of Israelis .
- 8. The viral effect Students returning from the trip will start clubs and groups on campuses to promote peace and understanding of the Israeli Palestinian conflict. As ambassadors of peace, they will counter the hateful rhetoric against Jews and Israel and spread a message of peace and security for Israel. With the knowledge they gain, they will be armed with facts. They will no longer blindly believe and allow themselves and others to be brainwashed by the hate groups on campus.
- 9. Where to begin Harvard 1700 freshman per year UPenn 2500 freshman per year Columbia 1500 freshman per year We will start with elite universities that have shown a spike in antisemitism. They are influential in society, yet with a small enough freshman population where we can make a major difference quickly. Princeton 1400 freshman per year
- 10. The financials Cost per student Number of Students Total Cost/ yr $4,500 500 $2,250,000 According to Birthright's website, each student costs $4,500 including airfare. If we start with Harvard as a test market, below is the cost to send 500 students each year (roughly 30% of their freshman class) The change in attitude towards Israel and the Jewish people should change dramatically in 2 or 3 years.
- 11. Potential Funding sources 67% from worldwide donors (including the program’s founders, philanthropists, parents of trip participants, program alumni, and individual donors) 27% from the government of Israel 3% from Jewish Federations 3% from the Jewish Agency for Israel According to the Birthright website, their funding comes from the following: The Birthright program itself (maybe they could allocate funds for a beta test?) Large donors that recently announced they will no longer donate to these universities due to their response to the Oct 7 massacre. They have "new budget" and they care about their alma mater.
- 12. How you can help... To make this happen, we believe that the help of Birthright will be needed for logistics, planning and overall knowledge on how to best coordinate. If you know anyone at Birthright or with any other organization that you believe can help, please share this presentation with them. If you know anyone at any of the mentioned potential funding sources or donors that can help bring this idea to reality, please share this with them. If you have experience in project management, team coordination, non profit assistance or if you can help in any other way or would like to volunteer your time and skills to help put this plan into action, please contact us at: MiddleEastFacts11@gmail.com