R.I. Rep. Ackerman speaks at StandWithUs’ international conference 

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Over 500 students and community members learned, shared and strategized with experts on the best ways to tell Israel’s story and combat anti-Semitism, during StandWithUs’ annual International Conference, held Jan. 19-22 in Los Angeles.

Rhode Island’s own state Rep. Mia Ackerman,  was one of two state legislators invited to address the “Israel in Focus” conference, which brought together high school and college students and community members from all over the world, including Mexico, Canada and the United Kingdom.  Participants learned best practices in confronting challenges on campuses and in the community, legislation, investments and religious institutions, and other areas.  They also had an opportunity to network with other student leaders and discuss programming and strategy ideas.

“The students I met were so inspirational,” said Rep. Ackerman. “It was an extremely well-structured, education-based initiative to train student leaders in how to deal with anti-Semitism and other issues facing Israel today. I had the honor of sitting on a panel to discuss the bipartisan bill I sponsored – which was signed into law – along with Rep. Phil King, a Republican legislator from Texas who did the same.”

In 2016, Ackerman sponsored a bill (2016-H 7736) that effectively prohibits the state from investing in or contracting with companies that engage in boycotts of allies and trade partners of the United States, including the state of Israel.

“We now have 24 states that have passed similar legislation,” said Ackerman. “It was gratifying to see so many people coming together – liberal, conservative and everything in between – to educate students from college and high school not only to recognize anti-Semitism and the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, but give them the tools to combat it.”  

Keynote speakers at the conference included Sharren Haskel, a member of the Knesset, and Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, author of “Harpoon.”  

Attendees left inspired, empowered and reenergized to continue educating their communities about Israel.

The Adam Gila Milstein Family Foundation sponsored the conference, as in previous years.

Founded in 2001, StandWithUs is an international, nonprofit Israeli organization dedicated to educating people of all ages about Israel and to combating anti-Semitism and extremism.

BRACHA STUART is executive director of StandWithUs Rhode Island.

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