Thanks for following along as we continue our Peace in Israel Week at UCSD. 

Yesterday, Day 3, was no less impactful than the first two days as we focused our energy on educating about the conflict. 

We had our own Western Wall of Wisdom on Library Walk that highlighted key facts about the history of Israel. We had fliers that debunked the propaganda displayed on the “walls” from last week. We had conversations with so many people. I want you to feel so much pride– our students were brilliant. 

Then, thanks to the Jules and Gwen Knapp Foundation and other sponsors we had the distinct honor of hosting the Jewish Studies Program’s Annual Katzin Lecture featuring Yossi Klein Halevi. Personally, I may have been fan-girling the whole evening. Yossi joined student leaders for a private dinner where they got to pick his brain and discuss the challenges they face on campus.  Then Yossi gave a fascinating talk on bridging the divide– both between Israelis and Palestinians, within Israel, and with diaspora Jewry— and he did it all in 40 minutes! Afterwards, he had a “fireside style” chat with Professor Allan Havis and student-leader Shani Menna. A prolific thought-leader of our time, Yossi expressed what it would take to get lasting peace. He shared that we needed to accept each other’s stories, and he shared that one of the biggest challenges Jews are facing is that our story, the Jewish story, is being minimized at best and flat out denied at worst. His last comment was about his deep hope for the future. It was enlightening and powerful for our students and community members to learn from such a renowned scholar.

Tonight is our Annual Jewish Night Market. Our students take over Library Walk with over 20 booths that highlight the Jewish experience from around the world through food! It’s truly the highlight of the year. 

Throughout the week, I hope you’ve seen the intentionality and strategy. We are educating and working to win over hearts and minds. We’re bringing in high-quality and dynamic speakers who educate and inspire. We are centering student leadership in everything and empowering our next generation to shape their own experiences. It is through these opportunities that we are successfully shaping campus culture and leading the way to a more vibrant and thriving Jewish future. Thank you again for being a part of it! See you tonight!