The Centre for Israel Advocacy, a major Wolfond initiative, will provide students with multimedia material, allowing them to educate themselves on all aspects of Israel's culture, history and politics. The video library will contain instructional advocacy films. The media center will be an informational hub for Jewish and Israeli communications, serving as a platform for workshops and seminars. The training and support provided by the centre will give students the confidence to not only defend Israel's interests, but also take a proactive stance on her behalf. Professionals at the Wolfond Centre will, in addition, track anti-Semitic incidents and keep students up to date on the latest trends confronting their counterparts around the world.

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"Unfortunately, Jewish students now find themselves in a difficult position on campus," says Zac Kaye, Executive Director at Hillel of Greater Toronto, a UJA Federation-supported agency. "The new Wolfond Centre will help them to stand up for Israel now and later in life."

Challenge: Standing up for Israel

The Palestinian wave of violence against Israel. Accusations of racism against Jews in Durban. Fierce anti-Israel demonstrations at Montreal's Concordia University. Events that have rocked the Jewish world - making Israel advocacy and a student centre to teach advocacy techniques more urgent

At universities across North America, student groups and even respected academics continue to vilify Israel inside and outside the classroom. Support for the Palestinian cause has become increasingly vocal and, in some cases, more violent.

At the University of Toronto, York and Ryerson, many Jewish students have found themselves struggling to make sense of the issues and to speak out on Israel's behalf. Student participation in lunch-and-learns, lectures, retreats and other Hillel programs designed to promote Israel education and advocacy strategies has increased on all three campuses.

Jewish students are also sharing the messages they learn with the general campus community. They are deliberately foregoing demonstrations and rhetoric in favour of showcasing the positive aspects of Israeli life and culture. "People often have a view of Israel that's incorrect. It's our duty to correct it," explains Adam Cutler, Hillel's Student Coordinating Committee Chair at U of T.

As Israel continues to face its gravest challenges, Jewish students are refusing to stand idly by. Instead, they are seeking new ways of taking bold steps to stand up for Israel.