Although Yavneh Academy students are familiar with Israel, its many holy places, its history, its significance in our lives and the best pizza places, they were surprised to learn that many people are unaware. Mr. Shahar Azani, a representative from StandWithUs, an organization whose goal is to spread pro-Israel messages to a largely uninformed public, came to speak to the eighth graders this past week. He began his lecture by presenting “facts” to the students about the Arab-Israeli conflict from the Palestinian perspective. The eighth graders were not shy in voicing their objections to his “facts.” Mr. Azani then shared that they just experienced what so many people on college campuses experience when “learning” about the Jewish homeland. He shared that it is vital to understand that ignorance about Israel is the foundation for acceptance of propaganda and anti-Semitism. StandWithUs educates people about what Israel is really all about, its technological advancements, its commitment to helping other countries and its miraculous existence. Yavneh’s eighth graders were inspired to share their love and support for their Jewish homeland.