Announcement by Jessica Horst
Get ready for some fun study breaks, on Monday, “Israel Week” at American University kicks-off a series of events in celebration of the 71st anniversary since the establishment of Israel.
Here’s what you need to know about “Israel Week” on campus!
“Building Bridges: A Dialogue with Palestinians and Israelis”
Monday, April 8 from 7:00-9:00 PM
The American University J Street U and Hillel will host Palestinian and Israeli advocates working as part of the grassroots movements to build a better future for a dialogue on conflict resolutions and peace negotiations. Confirmed guests include New Story Leadership (NSL) Managing Co-Director Anna Garber, Amnesty International Fundraiser Marwa Odeh, the One Voice mid-Atlantic Regional Director Youval Yadlin, Arava Alumni Peace and Environmental Network (AAPEN) representative Oran Lichtman, and moderated by the J Street U President Sheer Figman.
Anna Garber is an Israeli from Haifa also in the final stages of completing her Master's degree in International Relations from American University focusing on conflict resolution. In 2016, Anna participated as a NSL student delegate, and since then, she has worked closely with the organization. Currently, Anna is the NSL Managing Co-Director alongside Rawan Odeh.
Marwa Odeh, a 22-year-old Palestinian-American, recently acquired her Bachelor's degree at An-Najah National University, after deciding to complete her Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, and Economics in the Middle East. Currently a fundraiser for Amnesty International, Marwa has also previously worked in the U.S. House of Representatives in the Congressional office of Rep. Jamie Raskin, Maryland Democratic Party. Marwa is also an Alumnus of NSL, Solutions not Sides, and facilitated a student conference in Tokyo for Palestinian, Israeli, and Japanese university students.
Youval Yadlin works with college students from across the area as the OneVoice mid-Atlantic Regional Director to support OneVoice fellows on campus, provide in-depth organizational training, and engage with the local DC think tank and policy community. Before joining OneVoice, Youval completed her Bachelor's degree in International Service and Master's degree in International Administration from the University of Denver, and served as a camp coordinator at Seeds of Peace.
Oran Lichtman is a member of Arava alumni initiative to continue cooperative environmental problem-solving in an academic research setting even after graduation. Lichtman also works to enhance the Israeli-Palestinian connection by organizing networking events in the Middle East.
See the Facebook event for more details.
“It’s My Birthday - Israel at 71!”
Tuesday, April 9 from 7:00 - 11:00 PM
Join campus community at Guapo’s restaurant in Tenleytown for a celebration of Israeli Independence Day! Co-hosted by the American University Hillel and Mishelanu, this is a Yom Ha’atzmaut the Israeli way with a DJ, dance floor, delicious food and activity filled night. Check out the Facebook event to see who’s going!
“The Day after the Israeli Elections: What’s Next?” Student Lunch Discussion
Wednesday, April 10 from 12:30 - 2:00 PM
Professors Michael Brenner (Dept. of History, Abensohn Chair in Israel Studies), Guy Ziv (SIS) and Morad El Sana (Anthropology) will discuss the implications of the April 9 Israeli elections in forming the next government of Israel. This lunch discussion is for university students and faculty only, an an RSVP is required to be included in the pizza count. See the Facebook event for more details.
Ice Cafe Pop-Up
Thursday, April 11 from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
An Ice Cafe Pop-Up will be on the Quad outside of MGC thanks to the AU Students for Israel, a pro-Israel and pro-peace student organization on campus.
Dead Sea Spa Pop-Up
Friday, April 12 from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Pick up some Dead Sea self-care essentials on the quad to get ready for a relaxing weekend!
Israel Memorial Shabbat Dinner
Friday, April 12 from 7:15 - 10:15 PM
Join the interfaith community for an Israeli-style Shabbat dinner in McDowell Formal Lounge and to hear from fellow AU students about their experiences as Israeli citizens in the Israel Defense Forces. Following dinner, all are invited to stay for a discussion in remembrance of fallen Israeli soldiers (Yom HaZikaron). See the Facebook event for more details.
Krav Maga Self-Defense Workshop
Saturday, April 13 from 11 AM - 3 PM
The American University Police Department is now offering free Krav Maga self-defense classes to provide information, tactics, and considerations which may be useful for various types of dangerous encounters. Any member of the AU community, both current and alumni, are welcome to join the class. The class is completed in about 4 hours on the same day. RSVP required.