The Israel on Campus Coalition’s (ICC) National Leadership Summit (NLS) is a three-day conference open to Jewish college students across the country, with the aim to “address today’s critical issues and inspire student leaders.”
This year, the largest gathering of pro-Israel students took place July 27 – July 29 in Washington, DC, and hosted more than 1,000 Jewish students, faculty, and activists. Participants listened to leading Jewish figures in law, business, and activism while strengthening their advocacy skills and enhancing their understanding of the challenges that Israel and Jews face.
Dr. Amy Milligan, associate professor of Jewish Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies at Old Dominion University and member of the Academic Engagement Network, served as part of the first-ever AEN faculty delegation sent to the ICC’s National Leadership Summit. Milligan was one of 50 AEN delegates.
“I can’t speak for all the faculty present, but I think it is fair to say that for most of us, it reinforced our ‘why,’” Milligan says.
AEN seeks to empower and educate university faculty so they can help “oppose the denigration of Jewish and Zionist identities, promote academic freedom, and advance education about Israel.”
Milligan says she became involved in AEN prior to October 7 but got more involved after a weeklong workshop with approximately 25 other fellows in January 2025. Working closely together since, she says they provide each other with support and advice.
Although AEN does not directly support students, Milligan says, “there is a ripple effect of their investment as it directly impacts students through the education and leadership of faculty.” AEN provides faculty with education and resources, but more than anything, AEN gives faculty a network of peers that “lessen the feeling of isolation so many of us experience.”
“The Summit reminded me that I’m not alone, and that we have both the responsibility and the power to make a difference. My advice to others who want to get involved in advocating against antisemitism and anti-Zionism is to start by educating yourself about the diverse experiences of Jews globally, the history of Zionism, and the nuances of the Israeli Palestinian conflict,” says Milligan.
Amy Milligan helps make a difference for students across the country
