Over 1,000 pro-Israel campus leaders gather in Washington for Israel on Campus Coalition summit

More than 1,000 pro-Israel students, professors, and young professionals gathered in Washington this week for the Israel on Campus Coalition’s (ICC) annual National Leadership Summit. The event took place amid what ICC CEO Jacob Baime described as a growingly difficult environment for Jewish and pro-Israel students on American college campuses.

“

Even though the challenges are rising very quickly, we're seeing unprecedented interest among Jewish and pro-Israel students.

Despite rising challenges, Baime told The Jerusalem Post that the ICC is witnessing unprecedented interest from Jewish and pro-Israel students. The demand was so high that the conference had a waiting list, and Baime suggested that attendance could have doubled if capacity allowed. He characterized the three-day gathering at Washington’s Grand Hyatt as "the most inspiring three days that we've had in a year."

The summit brought together over 1,200 individuals, including staff and speakers. Of these, more than 800 were undergraduate students, and approximately 75 were pro-Israel faculty members from across the U.S. Additionally, 75 to 100 philanthropists and stakeholders attended, alongside recent graduates and young professionals participating through the ICC’s Geller International Fellowship.

“

It was the most inspiring three days that we've had in a year.

According to Baime, the summit focused on two primary goals: empowering students to confront antisemitism and cultivating the next generation of bipartisan pro-Israel leaders in the United States. The theme, "American Zionist Proud," was chosen to counter increasing hostility toward Israel and Zionism on campuses. Baime emphasized a proactive stance, stating, "This is who we are, this is what we believe, and we're not going anywhere."

“

The problems are rising very significantly. The trajectory is difficult. But even though the problems are rising, the right place to start is to say, ‘This is who we are, this is what we believe, and we're not going anywhere.’

The training provided aimed to help participants organize events that highlight shared U.S.-Israel values, build coalitions beyond the Jewish community, and support pro-Israel student leaders. Baime noted that about 15% of attendees came from outside the Jewish community, highlighting the diverse nature of the pro-Israel campus movement. He added, "they are fighting back and standing up for what they believe in."

“

We're seeing unprecedented interest among Jewish and pro-Israel students. And the other thing that I will add is that they are fighting back and standing up for what they believe in.