In an effort to educate students and raise awareness about
Israel, Congressman Howard Berman, D-Calif., will be speaking on
campus today about the importance of Israel to the United
States.
Berman will be giving a 20-minute speech followed by a 40-minute
question-and-answer session with the audience.
The event, co-sponsored by Bruins for Israel and the Jewish
Community Relations Council, is the last of a week-long series of
events to raise awareness about Israel.
Aaron Gershbock, speaker and events co-chair of Bruins for
Israel, said the event will emphasize education and awareness of
Israel rather than its conflict with the Palestinians. Berman will
decide at the event whether he will address questions about the
conflict.
Gershbock said the congressman was asked to speak so students
could gain a more objective view on U.S. relations with Israel in a
non-confrontational manner.
Gershbock said people sometimes forget about and do not realize
the importance of Israel because the country is surrounded by
conflict and controversy.
“By bringing in a congressman, we hope to shed light on
the facts of Israel, the life of Israelis and the United
State’s official policy toward the country,” he
said.
Ross Neihaus, president of Bruins for Israel said, “We
want people to realize the consistency between American and Israeli
values as well as the ways they can mutually help each
other.”
Bob Blumenfield, district director under Berman, said that as a
graduate of UCLA, Berman feels a special relationship with the
students and wants to inform them as a public official by sharing
his views and knowledge.
Berman is on the International Relations House Committee and
specializes in relations with the Middle East and Central Asia.
“To have a man of such prestige visit campus is a great
honor,” Neihaus said. “He’s an influential
individual in Congress, and it’s a rare opportunity for
students to see him on campus.”
Berman will be speaking at 5 p.m. in Public Policy 1246.