MDS advocacy travels to UN

Eighth Grade Stand with Israel team members from the Manhattan Day School presented their views at UNAOC, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, whose goal is to promote fellowship and world peace, especially among youth. The meeting was the culmination of a year-long effort by the students to advocate for Israel. 

The students spoke to Dr. Hanifa D. Mezoui, senior adviser on Humanitarian Affairs and Civil Society, and to Jordy Torrent, project manager of Media Literacy and Education. Topics discussed included Misrepresented History by Liana Goldstein, Terrorist Groups by Hanna Gerber, the Situation in Syria by Yaakov Lidagoster, Biased Media by Charlie Samuels, BDS by Yonatan Feuerstein, and Apathy by Sheindl Berger.

“It is apparent that the students have critical thinking about the media,” said Torrent. “They did great research and were very prepared to discuss their topics.”

“It was an amazing opportunity to meet with people who might take what we presented and use it to make a difference in the world,” said Berger. Gerber added, “It was good to share our opinions with people who may not have otherwise heard our perspective.”

The eighth graders will soon pass the baton to a new generation of advocates as they prepare to graduate. These future eighth graders will continue to carry on the tradition of Israel advocacy at the Modern Orthodox day school on the Upper West Side.