My Thoughts on UCSD Passing Divestment in The Daily Caller

March 19, 2013 4 Comments

My alma mater – UC-San Diego – was center stage for the Arab-Israeli conflict last week after the Associated Students passed a divestment bill condemning Israel for “so-called human rights violations.” It was passed by a secret vote 20-2. (What every happened to transparency?)

Here are my thoughts in The Daily Caller:

Student government meetings are no place for parsing out the Arab-Israeli conflict, said one recent graduate.

“Universities shouldn’t become center stage for the Arab-Israeli conflict,” said Gabriella Hoffman, a 2012 UCSD graduate, in an email to The Daily Caller News Foundation. She added that passing divestment resolutions gives legitimacy to anti-Semitic viewpoints on campus.

During her time at the university, Hoffman worked to prevent the ASUCSD from approving such resolutions.

“Many pro-Israel and Jewish students and community members–including professors and activists–worked together to ensure that divestment wouldn’t pass,” she wrote. “As a result, they were always rejected.”

Sister campuses UC-Riverside and UC-Irvine also passed divestment bills in their respective student government bodies. Although defeated in previous years, the passage of divestment at the University of California is a very troubling trend in higher education.

UCSD still won’t be receiving any alumni money from me.

Related articles

Filed under Islamofascism, Israel, Israel-Palestinian Conflict, Jews, University of California Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Rendezvous in Washington: 2013 Congressional Israel Allies Caucus Reception

February 10, 2013 1 Comment

I had the pleasure of attending the 2013 Congressional Israel Allies Caucus Reception on Capitol Hill last Monday night. Eytan Laor of American Principles PAC was very gracious to extend an invitation to me. The event is put on by Israel Allies Foundation.

I was joined by my friends Danielle Saul and Isaac Baskin, and ran into another friend and fellow Zionist Matthew Redmond of Georgetown University.

Over 25 members of Congress and 100 other guests were in attendance.  Two other prominent guests were Ambassador Barukh Binah, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Israel in Washington, and MK Rabbi Binyamin Elon, Founder of Israel Allies Foundation.

My friends and I had the opportunity to meet several esteemed members of Congress. We talked to Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-NC), Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ), Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Rep. Ilean Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), and Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC).

31469_521340381244251_944251201_nWith Virginia Foxx

Israel Allies Caucus Reception 004With Joe Wilson

Israel Allies Caucus Reception 001With Renee Ellmers

526485_10151422218137668_1010510253_n

With Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

I’m always thankful to attend events like this. I’m proud to be a Zionist and am proud to do my part to bolster the U.S.-Israel relationship.

“We regard it as our duty to declare that Jewish Jerusalem is an organic and inseparable part of the State of Israel, as it is an inseparable part of the history of Israel, of the faith of Israel.” — David Ben-Gurion, Knesset speech, December 1949

Filed under 113th Congress, Israel

Smart Girls Are Armed, Conservative, and Fabulous: My “Youth in Action” Interview

February 6, 2013 1 Comment

smart girl

Teen conservative and Smart Girl Politics activist Bethany Bowra (@bethanybowra) interviewed me for the latest installment of Smart Girl Politics’ “Youth in Action” series profiling young conservative female activists. Those of you who know me are familiar with my hold-no-prisoners approach to conservative politics, anti-Communist tendencies, and desire to lure in more young people to our movement.

I hope my thoughts and sentiments in this interview inspire other freedom-loving youngsters to speak out and reject collectivism. Without a doubt, we must encourage more young conservatives…especially young conservative females.

Enjoy!

While Planned Parenthood and Democrat women in Congress claim to speak for all women, these young women have something to say about that. Contrary to popular belief, those groups do not speak for all young women— many young women my age have views that are quite the opposite. Below is my interview with conservative activist, Gabriella Hoffman!

Why did you get involved in politics?

I got involved in conservative politics because of my parents. My mother and my father are Lithuanian immigrants who escaped from Soviet communism 27 years ago. The Left’s policies remind them too much of the Old Country, so conservatism came naturally to them. Their stories and perspective on life really brought me to conservatism. Both sides of my family suffered immensely in the former Soviet Union. I’m in this fight to honor their memories and remind people that freedom must be safeguarded for future generations to come.

How did you get involved?

In 2006 when I was 15, I started writing a column in a local Orange County, CA community paper, The Coto Voice, called “Teen Beat.” I maintained this column for three years. I primarily focused on topics ranging from volunteering in high school to upholding traditional values. After I graduated from high school and moved onto college, I began to write about politics for The California Review, the conservative paper at UC-San Diego. From there, I went onto running a YAF chapter and hosting David Horowitz on campus- an event which landed on national news. After the event garnered a lot of attention, I started working for The Rick Amato Show as an Executive Assistant and landed a coveted role at Eagle Forum of San Diego as the Director of Youth Outreach.  I also started blogging for various websites and publications.

What issues have you been focused on since you became active?

I’m a firm believer in sound conservatism (social and fiscal conservatism), and I also believe in strong national defense. During my time at UC-San Diego, I heavily focused on support for Israel (I have family there and support a healthy U.S.-Israel relationship) and exposing militant leftists on campus. I also exposed radical feminism and openly condemned the Vagina Monologues. Now, I concentrate on a plethora of issues ranging from traditional values to Israel advocacy to media/leftist/campus bias to free enterprise.

Continue reading at Smart Girl Politics Action.

Filed under Abortion, America, Communism, Conservative Women, Education, Feminism, Higher Education, Israel, Jews, Twitter, Women with Intellectual Integrity, Young Conservatives Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Prager U Post on Why Israel Isn’t an Apartheid State

May 20, 2012 2 Comments

Good news: I will be guest blogging for Prager University.

In my first post, I debunked the claim that Israel is an “apartheid” state.

Below is the entire post, as found on the Prager University Facebook page:

By: Gabriella Hoffman, Contributor and College Senior

———————

This past week, my university – UC-San Diego – played host to “Israel Apartheid Week.” The Muslim Students Association (MSA) and Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) clubs unveiled an “apartheid” wall that displayed alleged human rights abuses in Israel. The wall—which can be found on college campuses—claims Israel oppresses non-Jews, commits genocide, and behaves like Nazi Germany. Moreover, the organizers of this week-long event invite notorious anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist speakers to advance their cause. Without a doubt, it’s the most hostile week on campus each school year.

Supporters of the Palestinian cause are keen to undermine the Jewish state by painting it as an “apartheid” state. While this comparison is illusory and illogical at best, it’s imperative to counter it with the truth.

The MSA’s and SJP’s use of the word “apartheid” is misleading and offensive, says the Vanguard Leadership Group – a coalition of black students that supports Israel’s right to exist and defend itself. In an article in IsraelNationalNews.com, the group said: “We request that you immediately stop referring to Israel as an apartheid society and to acknowledge that the Arab minority in Israel enjoys full citizenship with voting rights and representation in the government.” (http://bit.ly/KzS52w)

Additionally, if Israel were an apartheid state, Arabs wouldn’t hold the same rights as Jews and Christians. Arabs vote, practice their religion, hold office, and live peacefully in Israel much to the chagrin of the MSA and SJP.

Dennis Prager’s video about the subject further illustrates why Israel is not an apartheid state: http://bit.ly/n5c7YE

(Note: you can follow Ms. Hoffman on Twitter at @gabby_hoffman)

Follow Prager University @prageru and “Like” the Facebook page.

 

Filed under America, Efforts to Delegitimize Israel, Islamofascism, Israel, Israel-Palestinian Conflict, Jews, University of California, Young Conservatives Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , ,

Conservatives and Zionists: Support Young Jewish Conservatives

April 30, 2012 2 Comments

I have a new article out in today’s edition of TheCollegeConservative entitled “Jews and Conservatism: An Interview with YJC President David Milstein.” In it, I write about conservatism and Jewish voters. More importantly, I interview David Milstein – a colleague and fellow conservative activist about Jews moving to the Right. Milstein is the president of Young Jewish Conservatives – a newly formed group that caters to young Jewish conservatives.

Many are unaware of this, but Young Jewish Conservatives’ co-founders reached out to me and asked for my advice during the first planning stages.  I willingly obliged and offered whatever suggestions I could give.  That being said, I fully support their efforts.

You see, like conservative activism, Israel advocacy is a cause near and dear to my heart. Many of my dad’s relatives live in Israel and several of my parents’ friends immigrated to Israel from Lithuania. I live vicariously through them and their stories about Israel. Although Israel-haters will accuse me of being an Israeli propagandist (my allegiance lies with America, silly knuckleheads), many will agree with me that it’s good to morally support Israel.  In fact, we should treat this ally of ours with the utmost respect…Paging the  Obama administration?

Although I’ve yet to experience the Holy Land (I fully dedicate my time to conservative politics, so my ability to travel is limited right now), I do plan to go and visit it one day. It’s a beautiful country full of wonder and rich history. All the pictures I’ve seen and stories I’ve heard point to this. I’ve read enough to understand why Israel is unique. You should visit if you get the chance.

People always ask me about my support for Israel. First and foremost, I support a healthy U.S.-Israel relationship. Israel is our only friend in the Middle East, and it has a lot in common with the United States. Second, I support Israel’s right to exist because it is the only democracy in the Middle East. Terrorists in Hamas and Hezbollah want to destroy this beacon of freedom in this hostile region. Call me crazy, but I have no sympathy for the “Palestinian” cause after one of its proponents and suicide bombers blew up my second cousin  and 20 other  young Russian Jews in the Tel Aviv Dolphinarium discotheque terrorist attack in June 2001. When these militants  personally get under your skin, you cannot forgive them.  End of story. And third, this affinity for Israel led me to bring David Horowitz to UCSD in May 2010. You can see the infamous clip that made national headlines here:

Like conservatism, Israel advocacy is something I will never compromise on. As someone with Jewish roots, I’m proud to support a group like Young Jewish Conservatives. People need to understand why it’s important for Jews to vote Republican and be conservative.

To learn more about YJC, please read my article:

  Jews and Conservatism: An Interview with YJC President David Milstein

American Jews are re-evaluating their support for President Obama and the Democrat Party.  Although Jewish voters historically gravitate to the American Left, there is a noticeable shift in their voting behavior of late.

What best explains this?

Many Jews are disgruntled with Obama’s poor treatment of Israel. In 2011, President Obama called for Israel to return to pre-1967 borders – a move criticized by many for suggesting Israel return to “indefensible ‘Auschwitz’ borders.” This sentiment was affirmed in NY-09’s special election to replace disgraced former congressman Anthony Weiner – a contest in a heavily Jewish, pro-Israel district. Bob Turner campaigned as the pro-Israel candidate and later went on to defeat his Democrat challenger.

Israel is not the only issue concerning American Jews. Although Jews voted for Barack Obama over John McCain 78% to 21% in 2008, the American Jewish Committee’s 2011 survey of Jewish opinion revealed that many are abandoning Obama. Here is a summation of the survey’s findings: Jewish voters disapproved of Obama’s job performance 48% to 45%, disapproved of his handling of the economy 60% to 37%, disapproved of his handling of immigration 49% to 43%, and disapproved of his treatment of U.S.-Israel relations 53% to 40%.

Continue reading at TheCollegeConservative.

Related articles

Filed under America, Gabriella Hoffman, Islamofascism, Israel, Israel-Palestinian Conflict, Jews Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , ,

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Wishes Christians Merry Christmas

December 13, 2011 Leave a comment

The Likud Party led by Benjamin Netanyahu wins...

Image via Wikipedia

The hawkish and equally revered Benjamin Netanyahu released a video wishing all Christians a Merry Christmas.

Although Israel maintains that it is a Jewish state, Christians and Muslims can equally practice their faiths there.

It is refreshing to hear someone of Netanyahu’s stature issue a message like this.

Don’t be a grinch this holiday season…say Merry Christmas!

 

Related articles

Filed under America, Israel, Israel-Palestinian Conflict, Jews, Men, News Tagged with , , , , , ,

New Freedom Center Video Confirms Obama Hates Israel

December 2, 2011 3 Comments

It is undeniable that President Obama is the most anti-Israel president in American history.

He has snubbed PM Benjamin Netanyahu on numerous occasions, called for Israel to return to pre-1967 borders, and recently referred to Jews as “Jew-janitors.”

It is imperative that come 2012, we elect a conservative Republican president that supports Israel, the Jewish people, and a healthy U.S.-Israel relationship.

Watch the video below and please share it with your friends.

H/T: David Horowitz Freedom Center

 

Filed under America, Communism, conservatism, Efforts to Delegitimize Israel, Israel, Israel-Palestinian Conflict, Jews Tagged with , , , , , , , , , ,

Ron Paul is wrong: Ahmadinejad’s Iran is armed and dangerous

September 20, 2011 2 Comments

My latest from the Washington Times Communities

Linked at Center for Strategic and International Studies on September 21, 2011.

Related articles

Filed under Israel, Jews, News Tagged with , , , ,

How Conservative Activists Can Support Israel on Campus

September 19, 2011 5 Comments

Cross-posted from Young America’s Foundation’s The Quad Blog:

“For the people of Israel and America are historic partners in the global quest for human dignity and freedom. We will always remain at each other’s side.” – President Ronald Reagan

Israel continues to face attacks here in the United States and abroad.  In May 2011, President Obama declared that Israel return to her pre-1967 borders—a move that would make the nation’s borders indefensible.  Virulent anti-Semitism is on the rise at our nation’s universities. Furthermore, Israelis are constantly attacked by “Palestinian” terrorists.

The question beckons: how should young people stand with Israel on campus?

Conservative activists, compelled to challenge the status quo, can present alternative viewpoints to their student peers. Here are three ways to be an Israel advocate on your campus:

1) Bring a YAF speaker to campus

The best way to stand with Israel on campus is to bring a pro-Israel speaker to campus. Young America’s Foundation boasts a fantastic speaker list, including pro-Israel speakers like David Horowitz​, Nonie Darwish​, Dennis Prager​, and Robert Spencer.

With the help of Young America’s Foundation, I hosted David Horowitz to campus (UC-San Diego) in May 2010. The  famous exchange between Horowitz and a female member of the Muslim Students Association made Fox News’ Beck and Hannity shows.

2) Host a ‘Stand With Israel Week’

If you really want to impact your campus, host a week dedicated to Israel in March or May. Events for the week can include: building a Wall of Lies to counter your campus’ “Apartheid” wall, inviting Israeli Consulate Generals or IDF soldiers to speak on campus, and showing the documentary “Iranium.”

Foundation activist Mike Cunningham held a weeklong event at Purdue University and succeeded in delivering a pro-Israel message to campus.  Amid criticism, he persevered and held great events. Watch the video  here.

3) Write a pro-Israel Op-Ed

Holding a successful pro-Israel event cannot be accomplished without good press. Write a column for your campus paper or local newspaper to promote pro-Israel events on campus.

Foundation activist Aaron Marcus has been a tireless fighter for Israel at Rutgers University. As the “Marcus My Words” columnist for the Daily Targum, Marcus has challenged and equally succeeded in countering anti-Semitic, anti-Israel views on campus.

There are many ways to be an Israel advocate on campus. Start a CUFI chapter, work with Zionist Organization of America, or go to an AIPAC conference. The possibilities are endless.

Be sure to stand with Israel this school year!

Gabriella Hoffman is a student at the University of California in San Diego and a blogger for the Washington Times​. Gabriella has hosted numerous conservative events on her campus and attended many of the Foundation’s conferences and seminars. Follow her on Twitter @Gabby_Hoffman.

Related articles

Filed under California, Gabriella Hoffman, Israel, Israel-Palestinian Conflict, University of California, Young Conservatives Tagged with , , , , , , , , , ,

Holocaust Survivor Irving Roth Comes to San Diego September 14th

September 9, 2011 Leave a comment

This Wednesday, September 14, Holocaust survivor and campus speaker Irving Roth is coming to San Diego to speak about his life.

Sponsors of the event include Christians United for Israel-California and CUFI on Campus.

More information can be found on CUFI’s website and on the Facebook event:

The event will take place on Wednesday, September 14 from  7:00pm – 9:00pm.

The event will be held at:

Father’s House Church
2705 Via Orange Way, Ste A
Spring Valley, CA 91978

The event is free and open to all people.

Here is some more information about the speaker:

IRVING ROTH is the Director of the Holocaust Resource Center at the Temple Judea of Manhasset, New York, and is the former education director of the Holocaust Memorial and Education Center of Nassau County. An internationally known educator, Mr. Roth has endeavored to teach people about the Holocaust and the lessons that can be learned from that experience. Many people throughout his community owe their knowledge of the Holocaust to Mr. Roth. Steve Pagiavlas, the art director of the Holocaust Resource Center at the Temple Judea of Manhasset, says he is “…the most prolific Holocaust speaker I have ever heard.” Mr. Roth has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades for his work promoting a more accepting and diverse world. It is his life’s mission to make the world a better place that has earned Mr. Roth the Spirit of Anne Frank Award.

This is a unique, one-of-a-kind experience for all to learn about the Holocaust and its toll on Jews, Christians, and the rest of the world. A first hand account is the best way to learn about the travesties that marked and defined the Holocaust. We must never forget.

Hope to see you there!

 

Related articles

Filed under Israel, Israel-Palestinian Conflict, Jews, News Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , ,

← Older posts

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 31,340 other followers