Punto IL - Hillel Argentina

MISSION STATEMENT: To generate a critical mass of Jewish university leaders who commit themselves to the support of the State of Israel.

OBJECTIVES:

• To create a framework that enables us to make a critical and thorough analysis of several aspects related to Israel and/or the Middle East conflict.

• To prepare a mass of leaders and opinion-makers in order to influence the creation of a more positive view of Israel and Zionism.

• To carry out clarification actions within the community, in universities and/or before society in general about Israel, Zionism and the Middle East conflict.

• To favor a social framework based upon mutual support and a sense of belonging so that members will involve themselves in Jewish community life.

PROJECT’S RAISON D'ÊTRE: Ever since this project was created, we have witnessed biased news reporting against Israel as well as some sectors of the society’s hostility -both at the national and international level- toward the country. Originated within a sound framework of extremism, in which Israelis are presented as the “bad guys” and Palestinians as the “good guys”, analyses of the Middle East conflict are often one-sided and reductionist. In addition, we have noticed that many young people from our community are interested in getting a deeper understanding of the scope of those events, yet they have been unable to find a context that will provide them with tools for a better comprehension of the topic as well as for becoming familiar with and spreading the Israeli standpoint.

INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK: This project forms part of Hillel Argentina Foundation’s annual program and seeks to fulfill the institutional objective related to Israel. It is our aim that Punto IL continues to provide at Hillel a framework for elaborating concepts, developing ideas and carrying out clarification actions about Israel and the Middle East conflict. Yet another aim is to improve coordinated work with the people that lead and participate in the other projects of the institution so as to increase the opportunities for exchanging experiences and working together.

2009/2010 ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Consolidation of Punto IL as a pillar of Hillel.

• Consolidation of Punto IL as a context for the analysis of and discussion about Israel and the Middle East conflict.

• A series of conferences presented by renowned national and international intellectuals and figures.

• Formation of a group of 25 young people who are truly committed to the project and who feel part of it.

• Carrying out a campaign against anti-Israel and anti-Semitic graffiti.

• Publishing the Punto IL Yearbooks 2008/2009 and 2009/2010, including articles written by the members.

• Carrying out seven activities in state universities in order to express our stance about Israel and the conflict: three activities in the School of Law of the University of Buenos Aires, one in the University “Juan Agustín Maza” in Mendoza Province, one in the State University of Cordoba, one in the State University of Villa Maria and one in the State University of La Rioja.

• Spreading information and lecturing different audiences within the Jewish community: Einstein projects, Taglit Birthright groups and NOAM Madrichim Training Course.

2011 CHALLENGES:

• To attain the consolidation of Punto IL members as active, skilled and self-managing leaders.

• To double the number of Punto IL active members who attend the weekly meetings.

• To conclude this chapter of Punto IL with a trip to Israel.