To coincide with the Palestinians' annual Nakba Day, the Global Campus Initiative (GCI) of the World Jewish Congress has launched a campaign on social networks to counter anti-Israeli and anti-Jewish hate speech and incitement on university campuses and beyond.
Every year on 15 May, Palestinians mark the anniversary of Israel's independence in 1948. What they call Nakba Day (´Day of great catastrophe´) is often turned into an occasion to vilify and slander Israel and the supporters of the Jewish state.
GCI Coordinator Saskia Pantell explained: "Jewish students are often the targets of hate speech, especially on occasions such as 'Nakba Day'. This year, we encourage them - and others - to respond and to send a positive message. That message is: 'Take a selfie for peace. Smile, take a photo and post. You look great! Use the hashtags #selfieforpeace or #peaceoncampus. Say no to violence, make your university a positive place. Talk. One #selfieforpeace at a time.'"
The Global Campus Initiative supports Jewish student activists world-wide in their efforts to positively shape Israel's image at their universities. It is a joint program of the World Jewish Congress, the World Union of Jewish Students and the European Union of Jewish Students and was launched in 2013.
Take part in the campaign via Facebook or Twitter, using the hash tag #SelfieForPeace.
