Activities

SIA engages in a variety of pro-Israel, pro-peace activities on campus.  Below is a high-level view of what we do.  For more specific or logistical information, please see the "Calendar" section of this website. 

Israel-Related Speakers

Hillel and the Stanford Israel Alliance bring many Israel-related speakers to Stanford each year.  Past speakers include former Labor PM Ehud Barak, former Me'eretz MK Yossi Beilin, current Likud MK Limor Livnat, former Ambassador to Ethiopia Asher Naim (he was ambassador during Operation Solomon), Re'ut Institute President Gidi Grinstein, and New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman.  Autumn '06 speakers include Stanford Professor Larry Diamond, Lebanese-Jordanian journalist Rami Khouri, Thomas Friedman, Jerusalem Report editor David Horovitz, Washington Institute senior fellow David Makovsky, Jerusalem Post reporter Herb Keinon, and Israeli Deputy Attorney General Shavit Matias.

Concerts with Israel Bands

There's more to Israel than politics, and some of the most fun SIA events of all time have been the concerts we host with Israeli bands.  Recent performers include Moshav, Idan Raichel, and The Fools of Prophecy (Shotey Han). 

Yom Haatzmaut and Israel Pride Week

Every year around Yom Haatzmaut (Israeli Independence Day), the Stanford Israel Alliance takes over campus with celebrations.  While the entire week is action-packed, the highlights include a lunchtime festival in White Plaza with music and free falafel.

Public Relations

   While it is not a major component of SIA activity, we do occasionally feel the need to publish letters and columns in campus newspapers.  It is important that no Stanford student see Israel attacked in the media and perceive silence on the part of Israel's supporters as a sign of agreement or weakness.  In SIA, we do our best to ensure that Israel's side of the story is never drowned out by its detractors.  For more, see the "Statements" section of this website.

Involvement with External Organizations

In addition to its regular on-campus programming, SIA works with numerous outside organizations to support its mission.  We attend banquets and rallies, host large events in conjunction with other schools, and attend conferences and retreats hosted by the larger Jewish and pro-Israel world.