College is a time for young Jews and non-Jews alike to learn new perspectives and explore issues that really matter to them. While college years give many students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about Israel, and even spend time studying in Israel, anti-Israel sentiment and activism is all too commonplace. North American campuses have seen an alarming rise in anti-Israel and anti-Semitic incidents in recent years with the growth of the BDS movement.

The Jewish Agency recognizes the need to support Jewish college students in this hostile and challenging reality and is doing so by creating an authentic and engaging Israeli presence on campuses.

In partnership with Hillel, the largest Jewish campus organization in the world, we’ve created the Israel Campus Fellows program. The Fellow’s job is to confront attitudes toward Israel, substituting education for ignorance, while giving students a chance to develop a personal relationship with Israelis and learn what Israel is really all about.

Every year, The Jewish Agency brings dozens of Israeli young adults to colleges and universities in the United States, Canada, and around the world. These Israel Fellows, who have already served in the IDF and earned college degrees, spend one to two years working closely with Hillel to inspire students and faculty alike, connecting them with Israel and promoting Israel advocacy. Passionate about Israel, they’re a valuable resource to students looking to learn about, engage with, and support Israel.

I took part in the Israeli Apartheid Week when I was a fellow in South Africa. They didn’t expect to see someone with my skin color coming to talk to them about our country, Israel.