Iran continues to make rapid advancements in its illicit nuclear weapons program, threatening American interests, allies, and stability in the region. To relay the urgency of Iran’s threat to future policy makers and opinion leaders on campus, AIPAC-trained student activists organize campus symposia, newspaper editorials and op-eds, and other public awareness-raising activities. To help pass critical legislation—including the Iran Counter Proliferation Act of 2007 (H.R. 1400 and S.970)—student activists embark on letter-writing legislative impact campaigns, visit congressional district offices, and encourage their members of Congress to cosponsor the legislation. Activists also educate their state representatives about Iran divestment and encourage representatives in select states to divest pension funds from companies supporting Iran’s energy sector.

In the upcoming election, the Middle East will play a more central role than at any time in recent history. To help ensure that candidates running for office support a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, pro-Israel campus activists will help politically-minded students understand the issues most important to the pro-Israel community and involve pro-Israel students in political activity during the lead-up to the 2008 election.  To impact the election, activists will become active in the campaign for the candidate(s) of their choice.  By participating in races on the federal, state and local levels, campus activists will access key political figures, build important relationships, and help influence policy-makers.

As Israel approaches her 60th year, AIPAC-trained student activists educate campus leaders about the intrinsic value of the U.S.-Israel alliance. A greater focus on Israel by the media, religious institutions, and academia give pro-Israel activists a platform on which to highlight the natural affinity between the United States and Israel, which has grown from a basis of shared values and has been fortified by decisions made over 60 years. Detractors of the U.S.-Israel relationship may attempt to exploit this milestone to undercut campus support, but pro-Israel students turn this challenge into an opportunity to mobilize their base for greater activism. Student activists use the entire year to engage the campus through petitions, solidarity statements, and symposia culminating in spring Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations.