ANT KATZ

Jerusalem U, A US-based non-profit run by an incredibly auspicious ADVISORY BOARD and which “creates and distributes innovative and stimulating feature films and film-based educational programmes with the goal of making young Jews feel proud of being Jewish and emotionally connected to Israel”, plans to change all that.

Their immediate goal: to take back 100 college campuses in the US.

“Well-co-ordinated tactics to discredit Israel and vilify Israeli soldiers are becoming the norm, including the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Movement; Israel Apartheid Week (IAW); anti-Israel student groups and demonstrations; hostile classroom atmosphere; and biased faculty members and administrators,” says a statement from Jerusalem U.

“We cannot stand by and do nothing while our children are faced with these challenges.”

At this pivotal time, they say, the need is to create a new narrative for Israel on campus. This, of course, is as true in SA as it is anywhere in the Diaspora. “We need to reframe the conversation,” they say, “It’s time to inspire our Jewish college students and give them the tools and courage they need to step up for Israel where it’s needed most.”

A plan and partnerships

Jerusalem U has a plan. But, they say, they need communities to help to put it into action.

That’s why they are asking for contribution of $25, $50, $100, $250, $500, or more to their “Beneath the Helmet” college campus screening campaign, which launches in January 2015.

They are partnering with national campus organisations like Hillel, AEPi, and StandWithUs to reach 100 college campuses with their new film, “Beneath the Helmet”.

Fortunately, a generous donor has provided Jerusalem U with matching funds for this campaign, which means that any donation one makes will go twice as far.

With this challenge grant, the cost for each screening will now be just $1 000 in the US.

To make the greatest possible impact, screenings will include a speaker, energetic marketing, PR, T-shirts and dog tags, and DVD distribution.

CLICK HERE to find out more about 
the project and/or make a donation

As the end of the year approaches, say Jerusalem U, they hope communities in the US and around the world will consider investing in changing the conversation about Israel and Israeli soldiers.

• Jerusalem U was founded by Rabbi Raphael Shore in 2009 to address the prevalent and growing need to educate and inspire the new generation about Judaism and Israel so that they gain a stronger Jewish identity and an appreciation of their heritage
• Jerusalem U creates and distributes innovative and stimulating feature films and film-based educational programs with the goal of making young Jews feel proud of being Jewish and emotionally connected to Israel. Jerusalem U is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation.
• For more information, contact raphael@jerusalemu.org