The Asbell Center for Jewish Life is very excited to introduce the Peer Network Engagement Interns (PNEI) for Jewish Life on campus for 2011-2012!!  

 MORISSA GLATMAN:   Hullo!  My name is Morissa (Mo) Glatman and I'm a sophomore at Dickinson College.  I'm from Long Island, New York and am an Environmental Studies major.  During high school I met some of my best friends while participating in USY, a Conservative Jewish youth group.  I love learning about my friends' different backgrounds and Jewish experiences - which is why I count myself extremely lucky to do exactly that through the help of this campus internship. Also on campus, I am an executive board member of WDCV (the college radio), where I have my own radio show, and I work for ALLARM (Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring).  In my spare time, I often hang out with Hercule Poriot and The Doctor.

 JOSH EISEN:  Hello!  My name is Josh Eisen and I am from Cedar Falls, Iowa, though prior to high school I grew up in the Greater St. Louis Metro Area.  I am an International Business and Management and German double-major.  I actively participate in the Dickinson College Orchestra - I play the cello - and absolutely love it!  Last winter I participated in the Birthright trip to Israel with some fellow Dickinsonians and had the time of my life!  This is a picture of me overlooking Jerusalem from that trip.

 EMMA WEINSTEIN:  Emma Weinstein is currently a Sophomore at Dickinson College studying Religion and Anthropology. She is from Cincinnati, Ohio. She is also involved in Kosher Cooking Club, Liberty Cap Society, as well as Pi Beta Phi fraternity for women. 

  MICHAEL DODEK:  I am an Undecided Sophomore at Dickinson College. I am 20 years old and from a small town called Southborough Massachusetts. Currently on Campus I am involved with PNEI, the Jive Turkey's Ultimate Frisbee Team, and Achim, A Young Jewish Men's group on campus. 

Michael Kassen, incoming AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) President, will be our guest speaker on Friday, November 18, 2011, at 6:00 pm in the Stern Great Room.  A complimentary kosher meal will provided.  Please rsvp to loudonl@dickinson.edu.

Americans broadly support Israel: A recent Gallup poll showed Israel fifth in favorability ranking after Canada, Great Britain, Germany and Japan. This is usually explained by "common values," moral responsibility and the deep religious character of the United States. Americans also overwhelmingly view Israel as a reliable ally. Nonetheless, many in the opinion elites (business, foreign policy, academia) view the U.S.-Israel relationship as chiefly benefiting Israel: America gives Israel major financial and diplomatic assistance, but receives little in return. In fact, however, the U.S. derives much strategic benefit from its alliance with Israel. Intelligence, counterterrorism, military hardware, battlefield experience and homeland security are all areas where the U.S. has gained a great deal from the close relationship. Furthermore, Israeli defense actions (Osirik in 1981 and Syria in 2007) have been key contributors to American national security. We welcome you to hear more on this topic and meet president-elect Michael Kassen at this event.