"It is essential to not remain silent and not to take for granted the unique talents you have. You must use them in whatever way you can to express yourself. If you don't use this gift, then history will ask you, 'How did you make a difference?'" said Rabbi Tovia Singer, one of the most renowned counter-missionaries worldwide, and host of "The Tovia Singer Show" on Israel National Radio. He was the keynote speaker at the first of several Israel Advocacy Seminars this summer, which are sponsored by Campus Youth Services and Teen Connections of UJA Federation. The program was held last week at the UJA Federation's offices in River Edge.

Singer spoke about the importance of confronting anti-Israeli attitudes within the Jewish community, especially on college campuses. But, he had a shtick, and it was to not stand before the audience and advocate current Jewish issues. Instead, he posed as Mitch Goldman, a pro-Palestinian activist and director of Jews Against the Occupation in New York.

The audience quickly became irritated by Goldman's persistence that Israel was to blame for the current crisis. When Simi Hinden, a student at Columbia University, questioned how Palestinians rationalize the ongoing violence in the Middle East, and Louis Sumner, of Teaneck, asked about the oppression of the Jews in Muslim countries, Goldman did not directly address their concerns.

However, the audience's rigid body language and pursed facial expressions quickly eased when Singer re-entered the room, dressed in a suit and kippah. Singer explained that he used role-playing to teach the audience viable tactics needed when approaching Palestinian sympathizers. He offered specific techniques that they could use to defend and challenge their opponent's views.

"I thought the program was great. Everyone was stunned by the appearance of Mitch Goldman, but when the Rabbi was reintroduced, everyone clapped," said Amy Kaskel, of Fort Lee, a member of the Young Leadership Division, who was duped by Singer's performance. She added, "Although I am not on a college campus, I can use those arguments in the workplace as well. We learned the one or two line comebacks, which was extremely helpful."

Orlee Levin, of River Dale, just recently returned from a seminary in Israel. She had seen Singer's "Jews For Jesus" routine, but still gained a lot from the program. She said, "I learned how to approach the issue of anti-Israeli attitudes and how to confront similar situations in the future."

"It is essential to write letters in support of Israel or to vocalize about issues, such as racism and anti-Semitism. You have to speak up, otherwise who else is going to save us?" said Singer.

For information about upcoming Israel Advocacy Seminars and other events for college students and young adults, please contact Rabbi Ely Allen, director of Campus Youth Services and Teen Connections, at 488-6800, ext. 384 or email ElyA@ujabergen.org.

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