STUDENTS AGAINST TERRORISM

In March 2002, six Yavneh students attended a Yeshiva University leadership conference in Connecticut focusing on active leadership and various ways to improve the situation in Israel. After the conference, the students returned to Dallas and formed Students Against Terrorism. This student-run organization’s goal is to demonstrate solidarity with, and support victims of terrorism in, the State of Israel. Committed to raising awareness in the community about the devastating effects of terrorism on Israeli civilians, Students Against Terrorism’s flagship program is its annual Points for Peace 3-on-3 basketball tournament. The tournament has become one of the most visible events in the Dallas Jewish community since it began in 2003.

During the 2004-2005 school year, Students Against Terrorism began its Stand Strong 4 Israel wristband program. To date, more than 15,000 wristbands have been sold and distribution has expanded worldwide, including Israel, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, Venezuela, the United Kingdom, and Belgium.

The organization has raised more than $175,000 since it began. This money has had a tangible and positive effect on victims of terrorism in Israel. More than $30,000 of funds raised were used to purchase a new ambulance for Israel’s depleted fleet. The ambulance is currently armored and operational in Israel. Another $60,000 went to the Koby Mandell Foundation’s Camp Koby, a summer camp for teens who have lost family members in terrorist attacks.

Students Against Terrorism is now recognized internationally as a model for student leadership. During the past two years, Students Against Terrorism officers have been featured speakers at the Yeshiva University Eimatai Conference and the AIPAC Conference in Washington, D.C.