SSI Student Spotlight: Yuda Halevi
Meet Yuda Halevi, President of Students Supporting Israel at the University of Colorado Boulder! He is a senior studying psychology and philosophy, a passionate advocate for Israel and an observant Jewish student, who is making a significant impact on the CU Boulder community.
Growing up as an Israeli American and spending part of his teenage years in Esh’har which is located in northern Israel, Yuda developed a deep-rooted connection to his heritage, which sparked his passion to defend Israel against the constant flow of misinformation and hostility on campus. Feeling as though he had a duty to his community, Yuda took on the role of being the face of the student-led Zionist movement at CU Boulder to provide a supportive space for pro-Israel students and to confront the defaming anti-Israel narratives. Last year was marked by both formidable challenges and inspiring victories. While met with a hostile campus climate characterized by anti Zionism, antisemitism, and misinformation, Yuda witnessed a growing number of Jewish students emerging as vocal defenders of Israel and helped foster hope. This rush of strength and solidarity provided a much-needed counter to the negativity. He explains that a pivotal factor in creating a more supportive campus environment was the university administration’s willingness to engage with the Jewish and Israeli community and understand the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Yuda credits this support for promoting a sense of security among students while upholding principles of free speech and religious expression.
As Yuda begins the new academic year, his focus remains on building a stronger pro-Israel movement on campus. One of his primary goals is to expand SSI’s reach beyond the Jewish community by building alliances with other student organizations. He believes that by being visible and fostering positive interactions with individuals who may have limited knowledge about Israel, SSI at Colorado can cultivate a new generation of Zionist supporters. Yuda’s personal experience of navigating college as a Jewish and Israeli American student has equipped him with a unique perspective. He understands the importance of providing a safe space for students to openly express their support for Israel without fear of retaliation. By creating a strong and united SSI chapter, Yuda is working to ensure that future Jewish and Zionist Buffs have the opportunity to connect with their heritage and defend Israel without compromising their values.
Yuda thoughtfully explains the challenges faced by many Jewish students when he says, “I think it’s become very difficult as a Jewish student to differentiate between truth and lies and when people are constantly around you telling you that everything you believe in is false… it becomes very difficult to grasp the truth, and it may sway you a little bit. I would urge everyone to connect to these [safe] spaces and these ideas and these people that really solidify what it is we are advocating for. That means being grounded in our own knowledge and in our own truth and knowing that Israel is here to stay, and that Zionism is a truthful cause.”
On a college campus recently being characterized by disinformation and division, Yuda’s unwavering commitment to Israel serves as an inspiration to students across the country. His story is a testament to the power of individual action in combating hate and promoting understanding.
