It all started one night in Slice, a group of four strong-willed Zionists digging in to a pizza and discussing the fates of Jewish students across campuses the following week. The much anticipated Israel Apartheid Week (IAW) was around the corner and this strangling feeling of doom was growing inside of me. Sam Alfassy, Saul Yardley, Joseph Stoll and I just came back from a Stand With Us conference in Glasgow, and within seconds of this reunion, we decided something needed to be done to combat the lies and hatred IAW is known for.
The pizza tray was pushed to the side and we cracked down on planning our own week: Israel Party Week. Charmingly coined by Saul, our aim was to focus on Israel’s positive qualities; the aspects of her that the general public rarely gets exposed to. We promoted peace, coexistence, and dialogue. We stood up for what the country stands for, and what it stands up to.
On Sunday we gathered a big group of Jewish students to come to Hillel house so that a consensus was built up. Everyone was on board and we could not have been more proud.
Monday went with a bang. A large group of us set up two tables outside King’s College London, decorated the area with Israeli flags, blasted Omer Adam, and handed out falafel and rogalach, along with facts about Israel. Rather than receiving hateful comments, we were able to engage people in a debate. We opened their eyes to the Israel they don’t always see. Of course we welcomed those with opposing views, but what meant the world to me was our ability to have a conversation about it. There was no yelling. And those that refused to take a falafel because we supported Israel, were a minority amongst the many. Our next stop was London School of Economics, where we too were able to discuss Israel in a positive manner. I was convinced the other side were hiding. Again we had many students show up to support us and to support Israel, the unity felt among everyone was very touching.
However, without a shadow of a doubt, the most impactful day was Thursday. I spent the day before arranging materials and support, ordering food, and painting signs. I spent early Thursday morning schlepping to Golders Green Road and Finchley to pick up the food supplies, then running to UCL in a hurry. Stress levels were at an ultimate high. When I got to the main campus, I immediately smiled at the sight of a group of supporters waiting to help out. We stuck up signs, put out leaflets, and showed off the Israeli flag. Music was blasted and soon enough we generated a flow of dialogue. People came out in droves to engage in debates. Misconceptions were dispelled, and common ground was found. Half way through, a couple of Palestinian Society members stood a few metres away. They covered their mouths with cloth and held signs declaring Israel to have committed war crimes. Arguments between both sides broke out, but we soon realised it was not worth even trying to convince individuals who refuse to accept the existence of Israel in the first place. Although this incident made me quiet nervous, our signs saying “let’s talk”, or “hummus not Hamas” spoke louder than them. University students soon realised our willingness to communicate, whereas PalSoc had forgotten what it was to respect others.
Without the help of every single person that came out, who took time out of their day to hand out leaflets and to engage in conversations, this week would not have been possible. From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank each and every one of you for your support and your love for Israel.
Devorah Khafi is a student at Queen Mary University, London
