Collegiate Times

Under the umbrella of Leadership Tech, an educational program that seeks to develop student leaders, nine Virginia Tech students have united to raise money for Hand In Hand. Hand in Hand is an organization that promotes peace between Arabs and Jews in Israel by developing bilingual and multi-cultural schools. Four Hand In Hand schools seek to teach Arab and Jewish children how to treasure their own culture and language while understanding the differences around them.

Facilitator of the group, junior French and international studies major, Ellen Mendyk discovered the organization after she was assigned to come up with a service project as a member of Leadership Tech. After conflict flared in Israel this past winter, Mendyk decided to focus on problems within that area.

"It's a very political topic. So that was a problem in finding an organization that would be sensitive, appropriate for what we wanted to do, and apolitical," Mendyk said.

Mendyk said the group Hand In Hand was perfect for their purpose because of the organization's aims.

"They also work on conflict resolution within the community because that works on our goals," Mendyk said. "They're working on being leaders in their community to end the conflict, to start that dialogue. So it's a perfect place to put our money that we're earning."

Junior English major Chelsea Newman came up with their idea for a fundraiser: a bracelet made up of a piece of string tied with two slip knots, one size fits all that costs $1. All the bracelets are white to represent peace.  

"Our main thing was raising the money, but also an awareness campaign. It's education for them, but it's also education here on the Virginia Tech campus. We wanted people to understand the problems, understand these names exist, these places exist," Newman said

Newman said she thought selling something people could wear would help further their cause more than selling food or another consumable items that are quickly disposed of. The group set up booths on the first floor of Squires Student Center and also handed out sheets that explained their mission.

Group member Matt Hiser, junior material science and engineering major, said education is their primary focus as it's the best way to change traditions.

"It's an investment in the future," Hiser said. "In 20, 30 years the kids that are getting educated in the schools will be the ones leading Israel and Palestine and the ones that are leading the future. You might not see the results of it instantly, but it's like education anywhere - you see the results down the road."

Hiser said one of their aims as an organization is to make individuals feel inspired to help out in different ways.

"I think what we're doing does matter. It may be a small part of the matter, but enough people giving a small part make a big difference," Hiser said. "People need to feel more empowered to do things and make a difference. It's like voting. One vote is not going to make the difference in an election, but millions of people still do it. And ultimately that does make the difference."