Hasbara Year Book |
_Jason Schoenbrun
Where you living now and what are you up to? Are you married and/or have any children? I married (Sarah) after my Junior year at the University of Maryland in College Park, and graduated the following year with a BS in Computer Engineering ('06). I recently graduated with an MS in Engineering Management from George Washington University. Baruch Hashem our son, Aharon, was born in September 2008 and our daughter in March 2011. I work as a Developer in Reston, VA. We currently live in the Kemp Mill community in Silver Spring, MD. What is your favorite memory from your HF trip to Israel? Neil Lazarus' humor and speaking style was pretty memorable. I also remember looking out at the Kotel from the Aish building. What was the greatest lesson you learned from your Hasbara Fellowships training? Or greatest pro-Israel activism success story? It's all about how you frame a debate. It's easy for the other side because there's so much emotional imagery that favors the seeming-underdog. If you set the context, you've won the audience. What does Jewish leadership mean to you? Being a leader in a way that benefits the Jewish community. It can be religious leadership to improve our spiritual achievements or protecting our homeland via the IDF or hasbara so that we can live in greater safety. If you could share any wisdom with current campus activists what would it be? Don't feel obligated to do campus Hasbara initiatives through an official campus group. Some of my most effective campaigns were on my own with friends, due to our efficiency and lower level of bureaucracy. We just went out putting up fliers, or tabled in front of the student union or showed up to an anti-Israel event to make sure our side is respectfully represented. Also, it may sometimes feel like you're always either preaching to the choir or fighting people who will never agree anyway. But that is not the case. Most people are on the fence. Some in a general sense, and some regarding certain aspects of the Middle East conflict. And our efforts do make a difference for them. Even those who stand opposed to us may over time see our side a little more, similar to how Rabbi Akiva became observant after seeing the effect water can have dripping on a rock. Even we can use the "chizuk" (strengthening) ourselves. Lastly, be positive. There is plenty to criticize regarding those who try to kill us, but make your stronger message how much Israel wants peace and how great our people are. Along those lines, don't just tell them how great we are; show them by being a "Kiddush Hashem". |
Liron KopinskyWhere you living now and what are you up to? Are you married and/or have any children? Neve Daniel, Israel. Married with one son (almost 2 years old.) What is your favorite memory from your HF trip to Israel? Going to the Kotel for the first time. What was the greatest lesson you learned from your Hasbara Fellowships training? Or greatest pro-Israel activism success story? Talk to people who will listen. What does Jewish leadership mean to you? Setting an example of how to live passionately. If you could share any wisdom with current campus activists what would it be? Make every moment count. |