By, Malka Suster (Hebrew Academy)

The formal definition of zionism is “a nationalist political movement of Jews and Jewish culture that supports the re-establishment of a Jewish homeland in the territory defined as the historic Land of Israel”. But Zionism is more than this dictionary definition. For me, it is a responsibility. It is a lifestyle. It is supporting and believing in the importance of Israel even after its 1948 establishment. As a Jew, my heart is tied to the well-being and advocacy of my Homeland: Israel.

Due to my Zionistic upbringing in my home and school settings, I am excited and happy to have been selected as a ZOA high school Fellow. ZOA is a crucial organization that constantly brings awareness to and advocates for Israel. As a fellow, I am proud that I will actively be involved in the integration of ZOA into my school and community. Bi-monthly, I, along with the other fellows, give presentations related to Zionism and Jewish history. Although this year’s course has just begun, I can already tell that teaching and advocating for Israel in my school will be a rewarding experience. After giving a presentation a few weeks back on the significance of Zionism, a high school girl confronted me and thanked me for giving an insightful presentation. At that moment I realized the critical importance of what I am doing. I must thank ZOA for giving me the tools and curriculum needed to advocate for Israel.

ZOA has so much to offer, and I know I will gain new insights and wisdom about Israel and the global issues surrounding Israel. I am excited to learn more about what ZOA is and does, and then transfer the knowledge I attain to the students in my school. As a fellow, I hope to gain skills and leadership experience that I can use to go on and become a leader on college campuses and in my community. Given that I will be soon entering the real world, I am certain that this organization will help equip me with the proper tools I need to prepare for my future at college where anti-Zionism/anti-Semitism is prevalent.

I am looking forward to a fun yet educational year. I hope to learn many new things, and in turn, hope to relay the knowledge to others around me. I hope to obtain a new sense of Jewish identity and learn more about Zionism.