This was my second WUJS (World Union of Jewish Students) conference. It is such a great experience getting to meet and socialize with Jewish student leaders from all over the world. I particularly connected with the students from UJS (UK) and AUJS (Australia). There are a lot of things I was able to learn from their groups in how they conduct Jewish & Israel advocacy on harsher campus climates.
I went representing NAJSA (North American Jewish Student Alliance), attempting to get the Americans an official seat at the WUJS table. After this experience, I now know what it feels to be Israel at the U.N. A good chunk of the student representatives there did not want the U.S. to have a place within their organization, fearing we would have too much power.
Basic problems arise because Hillel, which isnt a student-run organization, basically controls most campuses and Jewish organizations in the U.S. The rest of the world is basically run the opposite way, with students controlling their JSUs or Hillels. That is ideal here in the U.S., but Hillel International would never have it.
Anyways... back in Haifa, we got to tour around the city, and we eventually got to climb down the Baha'i Gardens ... unbelievably beautiful! Wow! A must visit for everyone!
