56 | FEBRUARY 16 • 2023 

experiences and to discuss 
our thoughts and insights 
with one another. These 
discussions were incredibly 
valuable and helped us build 
a sense of community and 
solidarity with one another. 
One of the biggest 
challenges of the trip 
was dealing with cultural 
differences and navigating 
new environments. 
However, the group was 
up to the challenge and, 
through a creation of mutual 
respect, we were able to 
navigate those cultural 
differences. 
By the end of the 
trip, we had gained a 
better understanding 
of the conflict and, not 
surprisingly, had more 
questions than when we 
arrived. 
We returned home with 
new perspectives, and many 
of us have already begun 
to put the lessons learned 

into practice in our own 
communities. 
In conclusion, leading 
the Fact Finders trip to 
Israel and the Palestinian 
territories was a truly 
enriching experience. 
It provided a unique 
opportunity for us to form 
meaningful connections 
with each other, build 
coalitions on campus and 
develop leadership skills. 
I am confident that the 
lessons learned on this trip 
will have a lasting impact on 
our campus. By having more 
students better informed 
about the conflict, we can 
eliminate anti-Israel, anti-
Palestine, antisemitic and 
Islamophobic rhetoric that 
affects our day-to-day life 
here on the Wayne State 
Campus. 

Jeremy Soper is president of 

Students for Israel at Wayne State 

University.

Jeremy Soper and a new 
friend he met during 
the Fact Finders trip to 
Israel and the Palestinian 
territories. 

For Grand Valley students, next is opportunity 
and innovation. Next is global, connecting and 
uniting us. It’s local, shaping the spaces in which 
we work and live. It’s a commitment to progress. 
Next is where minds are free to imagine what 
could be. At GVSU, next is now. And whatever’s 
next for you, we will help you get there. 

WHATEVER IS 
NEXT

gvsu.edu/next

Berkley High School 
Schools of Choice

Apply Now for the 
Berkley High School 
9th Grade Scholars Program

Accepting Applications 
February 20 - March 10, 2023 

Oakland County residents only

Inspire. Empower. Lead.

Questions? 248.837.8141 
www.berkleyschools.org

• BHS was named a Best High 
School from U.S. News & World 
Report in 2022

• BHS first in Michigan to adopt 
Sources of Strength mental 
wellness program

• BHS graduates are accepted to top 
colleges across the nation

• BHS offers 26 AP courses

• 70% of Seniors, 66% of Juniors 
and 48% of Sophomores are taking 
at least one AP class 

• Berkley Schools is a 2012-22 
Best Community for Music 
Education, designated by the 
NAMM Foundation

for college students 
by college students

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