As students walk into Hughes-Trigg today, they may hear an ancient language they cannot identify. When one takes the time to listen, he or she notices the sound of Hebrew. This sacred language, often foreign to the ear of an SMU student, contains the history of thousands of people.
SMU Hillel, the Jewish student’s association, will host the Second Annual Israel Day today in Hughes-Trigg on the main floor from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The theme this year is “Israel: Beyond the Conflict.” The event will highlight Israeli culture, music, food and different aspects of the modern state of Israel.
“This event will bring to light to the fast-paced technological, medical and agricultural inventions constantly being developed in Israel,” said Daniel O’Neil, co-president of SMU Hillel and founder of Ha-Shomer Israel, an Israel advocacy organization.
Israel Day will host a number of different tables and include different genres of interactive activities. Additionally, a station will be set up for students to learn how to write their names in Hebrew. Free food will be available from 11:30a.m. to 1 p.m. and there will be plenty of informational literature for anyone interested.
Israel Day aims to encourage SMU students to look beyond the present conflict in the Middle East to the many facets of Israeli life. Hillel believes that through communication arises understanding, something they say is essential for the world in which we live. SMU Hillel’s hopes to create dialogue with its events among the members of the student community.
SMU Hillel’s parent organization is Hillel National, which thrives on more than 500 college campuses. Its mission serves as an outlet and provides balance for Jewish students. They host regular educational, social and cultural activities on campus. These activities increase awareness of Judaism at SMU and create a better understanding of important world topics.
In addition to Israel Day, SMU Hillel also hosts an Annual Interfaith Passover Seder, coming up on March 27, which brings in members from various parts of the campus community. For more information of any of the SMU Hillel programs, please contact Rabbi Heidi Coretz, SMU Hillel Director at [email protected].
