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74 August 31 • 2017 jn for college students by college students Jessica Davidov } jewish@edu writer Jewish Advocacy WSU student's AJC fellowship y ields new understanding. D uring my last three years of college, I have spent most of my free time focusing on advocacy, specifically on matters relating to Israel. When I learned the American Jewish Committee (AJC) was looking for fellows for their regional offices, I applied immediately. My fellowship in the AJC Chicago office began this sum- mer at the AJC's Global Forum in Washington, D.C. From my first session, I realized how dif- ferent AJC is from the other groups I had experienced. AJC invests many of its resources into its younger members. As an AJC Goldman Fellow, I met such speakers as Knesset member Tzipi Livni, Israeli Ambassador Ron Dermer and author Bernard Henry Levy. On the final day of the Global Forum, I was invited to lobby senators on a matter I found important. Being an Israel activist on Wayne State University's cam- pus, I found it fitting to speak on combating BDS. At the beginning of this summer, I participated in a trip to Israel with Hasbarah fellowships, where I had the opportunity to visit factories in the West Bank and also meet with Palestinians who explained how the BDS move- ment harms them and defers peace. I shared these conversa- tions during the Global Forum senate meeting and was told at the end that my on-the-ground experience really influenced their view and that they would be sup- porting a bipartisan anti-BDS bill. During my time in the AJC Chicago office, I had many incredible experiences, including briefings on current geopolitical issues, lunch with religious leaders and meetings with ambassadors and diplomats. I also participated in helping to develop a program for the next generation about the importance of advocacy. Before my summer as a Goldman AJC Fellow, my under- standing was that Jewish advo- cacy was equivalent to Israel advocacy. Although Israel was a primary topic of discussion, there was an even greater focus on helping global Jewry. An example was my being included in a con- versation with the French Consul General where we discussed the current rise of anti-Semitism in France. While the conversation touched on Israel, its focus was global Jewish advocacy. Although I am very opinionated and have a deep love for Israel, AJC taught me the importance of being an advocate for not only Israel but also for making sure the voices of Jews are heard globally. As I start a new chapter in my journey of advocacy, I want to thank the AJC Chicago staff for the opportunities I was invited to be part of as well as their guid- ance and kindness. Most of all, I want to thank my mentor for her constant support and encourage- ment during my time at AJC. I hope to inspire others to become global advocates as she has inspired me. @ Jessica Davidov of West Bloomfield is a senior at Wayne State University. She is president of the WSU Students for Israel organization and a Goldman Fellow with the American Jewish Committee. Jessica Davidov Impact. When you become a Laker, you look outward, focusing on others instead of yourself. With professors' caring guidance, you learn how to make a meaningful, lasting difference. Then, as you go forward into the world, you're ready to tackle challenges and make meaningful contributions. Like Michigan itself, your positive impact will be far reaching. That's the Laker Effect. gvsu.edu At Lawrence Technological University you'll get an innovative, hands-on education to prepare you for the career of your dreams. Schedule your campus tour today at: ltu.edu/campustour 5th in nation for boosting graduates' earning potential 11:1 student/faculty ratio 88% students employed or registered for graduate school at commencement admissions@ltu.edu Possible is everything. Architecture and Design | Arts and Sciences | Engineering | Management