In a powerful display of solidarity with Israel, over 500 college students attended Jewish National Fund-USA’s College Summit at the Global Conference for Israel in Denver. The summit equipped students with essential tools to be effective advocates for Israel on college campuses and beyond.
Notable speakers, including Israel on Campus Coalition CEO Jacob Baime, Ambassador Michael Oren, and Team Israel Captain Ryan Lavarnway, shared insights on combating rising antisemitism masquerading as anti-Zionism.
The event, addressing the need for the next generation to stand up for the Jewish State, featured visionary leaders who inspired attendees.
Jewish National Fund-USA CEO Russell F. Robinson emphasized the importance of philanthropy, urging students to continue their commitment to giving back. Robinson told the students, “The Jewish community is more philanthropic than any other community in the world because we are raised on the ideal and responsibility of tzedakah. Thank you for giving us the time here, and for giving our Jewish people the time tomorrow.”
College Summit Co-chair Atara Kresch, a senior at the University of Michigan, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent the voices of pro-Israel and Jewish students, sharing her experiences on often-hostile campuses with over 2,500 conference attendees.
Kresch said, “I’m really grateful for the opportunity to be here and so honored to have been able to speak. To be representing not only my Jewish voice but the voice for all my friends on campuses who have been fighting the fight has been incredibly gratifying.”
Upperclassmen also engaged with Jewish National Fund-USA’s young professional community, gaining valuable advice and expanding their networks as they transition to the next stage of their lives. Students also visited the Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab’s (CELL) exhibit, where they learned about extremism’s root causes and prevention.
Reflecting on the experience, College Summit Co-Chair Jake Stone, a junior at the University of Colorado Boulder, described it as a unique opportunity. He praised the dedication of pro-Israel college students, emphasizing their motivation to learn and contribute to a supportive cohort.
Stone said, “It’s been the experience of a lifetime. Being given this position was such a blessing. This year is the most concentrated group of inspired Jewish college students who are extremely motivated and hardworking, taking time out of their busy schedules to come here and learn as much as they can. I’m incredibly proud to be a part of this cohort.”
Register for next year’s Global Conference for Israel at jnf.org/globaldallas