17 Christian college students visited the Knesset Monday as part of a three-week workshop on Israel advocacy.

The 10th annual Israel Experience College Scholarship Program prepares students to return to their home campuses and defend Israel against anti-Israel rhetoric.  Participants are top students with strong diplomatic capabilities and they attend the program free of charge.  Some have gone on to to work for the White House, the European Union and for US senators and governors.

During their visit to the Knesset, participants met with American-born MK Rabbi Dov Lipman (Yesh Atid), who said it was “inspiring to see young people outside the Jewish faith who understand the importance and significance of the State of Israel.”

“Despite being the only beacon of freedom and democracy in the Middle East, we are losing the battle for public opinion on university campuses,” said Josh Reinstein, director of the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus, explaining the importance of such a program.

Student participants expressed their satisfaction with the program, as well.  “The Israel Experience College Scholarship program is equipping me with the knowledge to counter speech directed against Israel, educate the misinformed and promote peace,” said Danielle DosSantos, a student at Rutgers University.  She has witnessed anti-Semitism on her campus during pro-Palestinian demonstrations.  Brooke Brewer, from California State University Long Beach, appreciated that the trip helped dispel misconceptions about Israel in a way that she could carry back to campus with her.  She called the experience eye-opening.