SSI Student Spotlight: Emily Kaplan

Emily Kaplan, President of Students Supporting Israel at Arizona State University, is a Sophomore Political Science and Psychology major at Arizona State University.

Emily’s duties as president include running meetings, planning events, and interacting and connecting with other on-campus organizations.

In addition to her work with SSI, Emily serves as a StandWithUs Emerson Fellow, where Charlotte Korchak, Director of International Student Programs at StandWithUs, has been the most influential in Emily’s pro-Israel journey.

While Emily is still coming up with her own definition of Zionism, she understands that Zionism is not just supporting Israel, but also being able to critique Israel when needed. She says,

“No country is perfect, and I think being able to defend Israel when necessary is key to understanding zionism. It’s acknowledging that, yes, Israel makes mistakes, but we still support it as a nation that wants to pursue peace and progress in a region where those two concepts greatly lack.”

Emily’s support for Israel is attributed to Israel being her homeland.

“At the end of the day, I feel a connection to Israel because that’s where my people are! I feel at home and safe and comfortable in Israel. I support Israel because it focuses on progress and peace, against all odds. Israel’s existence defies everything that history has showed to the Jews.”

Arizona State University’s student body tends to lean more apathetic when it comes to the topic of Israel. Emily adds,

“People don’t seem to care about much, and it’s hard to engage people if it doesn’t relate to them in any capacity.”

There is a Students for Justice in Palestine group, with which Emily hopes to spark dialogue and peaceful conversations with in the near future.

Emily joined SSI because she is passionate about changing the narrative of Israel. She says,

“Israel means a great deal to me, and it’s upsetting to see false narratives circulate, when we know the facts.”

So far, Emily says SSI has pushed her to organize herself better and to hustle more. Taking on the role of president has helped her “get in the grind” of things, and move to finish what needs to be completed. Her favorite SSI memory was at Israel Fest. She enjoyed representing SSI and being able to interact with other students — both Jewish & non-Jewish!

With the ASU SSI chapter’s re-establishment, Emily is hopeful in seeing how SSI impacts her campus!