Tallahassee, Florida – January 31, 2012

More than 130 University students from across Florida will gather from February 2, 2012 to February 5, 2012 for the first-ever student-run and organized Israel advocacy and education conference - Florida Loves Israel.

Florida Loves Israel is a three-day conference working to create a unified voice for Israel in Florida. University students representing almost every major higher education institute in Florida will be attending the inaugural event. Additionally, high school students and Tallahassee community members will be in attendance.

Through speakers, workshops, breakout sessions and social activities, attendees will be educated in effective advocacy methodology and Israeli culture. Students will also have the opportunity to network with each other and other organizations with similar causes.

Students will be hearing from expert speakers including Florida and Puerto Rico’s Israeli Consulate Deputy Counsel General Revital Malca, Israeli Foreign Affairs Lead Spokesmen Raanan Gissin and host of the Galey Yisrael radio show, the only English radio show in Israel, Yishai Fleisher.

Workshops include “How Do We Bring a Lasting Peace in the Middle East?” By Yishai Fleisher, “Advanced Advocacy” by Stand With Us, “Communicating for Israel” by Hasbara Fellowships and “Building Coalitions” by The David Project.

After learning advocacy skills, students will have the opportunity to gain first hand experience. Participants will meet with their representatives in the State Capital to express their desire to see an economic, political and secure relationship between Israel and Florida.

The conference also includes a day at Florida State University’s Lake Reservation to enjoy educational breakout sessions outside, a barbeque and cultural events such as learning Rikud, traditional Israeli dance, and Krav Maga, the Israeli Defense Forces’ self defense. At night, students will attend a Tel Aviv-themed dance party at a Tallahassee club.

Other highlights include international film On the Road to Tel Aviv, Shabbat services and dinner and an organization fair bagel brunch.

The Florida Loves Israel conference is spear headed by the Florida State University student group Noles For Israel with large assistance from Hillel at FSU. Other organizations from across the country participating include the David Project, Stand With Us, the Zionist Organization of America, Hasbara Fellowships, the Jewish Federation and the Israeli Consulate to Florida and Puerto Rico.

For a detailed schedule of the conference or to learn more about the students involved, contact Terry Rydz at 305-332-9345 or terry.rydz@gmail.com.