ByNaomi Firsht, Naomi Firsht
1 min read
Israeli students are being urged to take more of a role in Jewish life on campus.
"Most of them go straight through the university when they come to study here and are not in touch with any Jewish organisations, said Orly Goldschmidt, a campus worker for Jewish Agency for Israel.
She said she hoped they would get more involved in Jewish Society activities, perhaps by offering to run ulpans and other programmes.
Over 70 students attended the second annual Israeli Student Conference at West London Synagogue on Sunday.
UJS executive director David Brown ran a session on campaigns currently run on campuses and representative from Israeli societies from three universities spoke to students about how they could get involved.
Ms Goldschmidt, who organised the event in association with UJS and Israeli House, said: "Last year the focus was more political, but this year I wanted to focus on what we can give to the students.
"The main goal is for them to know we are here for them and that there are programmes they can get involved in."
Sessions also offered advice on student loans and details of study-related trips available.
Ran Sopher, 30, who studies mechanical engineering at Imperial College, London, said the conference had proved useful "because we can get to know each other and form a network to support each other. I met some wonderful new people."
Mr Sopher ran a session on the practical issues involved in moving to the UK such as opening bank accounts and registering with the NHS.
It is estimated that there are between 800 to 1000 Israeli students currently living in the UK.