“The incredible ZOA experience.” That is what I think when I refer to this trip. So far the programs by the ZOA have been informative and insightful. But what has made it so special. The people? The staff? Or maybe the content? I must say all of the above. 

The first night was an impressive dinner sponsored by the ZOA. It entailed delicious food from the exquisite restaurant, Matida in Jerusalem. There, we were introduced and reviewed the rules. However, I would like to investigate and break down what has been highlighted on our trip thus far.  We have learned that as Israel advocates we must target the majority of the student population who are apathetic or uneducated on the Middle East.

This has been highlighted by Ran Bar Yoshafat, Emmanuel Navon, and Khaled Abu Toameh in all of their addresses to the ZOA student group. Each of them brought an important view to us. Each had his own view on politics, but all with a similar message— that we are the only ambassadors to Israel and we are needed on campuses to accomplish our mission: positive Israel advocacy. 

It goes without saying that we are having a comprehensive educational experience on Israel advocacy. With that knowledge we must, as a collective whole, allow for ourselves, when get put down, to rise up and learn from this. After all we are based in Jerusalem, a place that has fallen and risen on numerous occasions.