Arrows with the words “Support Israel?” were written in chalk on sidewalks on the Quad on Wednesday afternoon, directing students to where Syracuse Students Stand with Israel was hosting its first ever event.

An event table decorated in blue and white and lined with traditional food was set up in front of Hendricks Chapel. Around 100 students visited the table throughout the afternoon, engaged in the festivities and took a photo inside a large picture frame.

The students were asked to give their reason for supporting Israel and those pictures were then posted to the group’s Facebook page. The page also displays the group’s mission statement, to “support the state of Israel on the SU/ESF campus through education of the student body, engagement in positive, productive action and raising awareness of the diverse culture of Israel.”

“I thought it was incredible when students who are studying at Syracuse, but are from Israel, came and spoke with us about their experiences home this summer,” said Emma Gottlieb, a junior broadcast and digital journalism major and a member of the club, in an email. Gottlieb said she was already a big supporter of Israel and this was a great way for her to give back and make a difference.

Gottlieb said the situation in Israel is a human rights issue, not a religious issue, and therefore it affects everyone.

“I hope we are able to grow this club and awareness about Israel on campus,” she said. “I want people to know that this isn’t just an issue for Jews and that everyone should be knowledgeable about what is happening in Israel.”

Club President Amanda Shames, a sophomore child and family studies major, said the group has received nothing but support so far. Shames, a self-proclaimed Zionist, or Israel supporter, started the group on campus after taking a gap year in Israel in which she studied there for nine months. After spending time working with Israelis, she wanted to take charge, she said.

“I didn’t find anywhere on campus that I could continue supporting Israel,” Shames said.

Although all of the planning for the new group, as well as the kickoff event, has been hard work, Shames said she is glad that she is able to spend her time on campus doing what she loves — supporting Israel.

Emma Mirsky, a sophomore inclusive elementary and special education major and member of the organization, said the group hopes to spread the word about its goals, and to make it a more “impacting and permanent club.”

“We want this group to be somewhere where all people, Jews and non-Jews, could share why they love Israel and feel safe about their pride,” Mirsky said.

Wednesday was the group’s first main event of the year. Syracuse Students Stand with Israel, which is under the umbrella of the Hillel Jewish Student Union, a prominent Jewish organization on campus, hopes to get speakers to come to campus and is currently in the works of planning an entire week, deemed Israeli Week, which would take place next semester and involve events in support of Israel, Shames said.

Shames said her vision of the group is one that consists of members committed to supporting the Israeli state, not just about religion. Anyone should be able to become involved and support the cause, regardless of religious involvement, she said.

Gottlieb said that it’s a complex issue that people need to stay informed on.

Said Gottlieb: “I think it is important to educate and raise awareness of what is going on in Israel and the Middle East as well right now.”

Published on October 13, 2014 at 12:01 am

Contact Erin: eemcdona@syr.edu