Parker Heller, junior business management major and president of Students Supporting Israel, was one of the few college students to receive an invitation to the White House. 

The invitation was for a meeting with the Anti-Semitism Task Force on June 25, where 13 SSI students across the country were invited. Heller was one of those lucky few. 

SSI is a pro-Israel campus movement with over 200 chapters worldwide. Heller believes he received an invitation to the briefing because of his efforts in recharting the Kent State chapter. He also expressed appreciation for his fellow chapter members and the Jewish Faculty, Staff and Friends Association for helping him carry out leadership responsibilities during the school year. 

“After October 7, [2023] when the war broke out, we needed a group on campus to feel safe for Jewish people,” Heller said, “and it’s not just for Jewish people, anyone can come and learn more about the topic of Israel.”  

Upon stepping foot in the White House, Heller said it was a rare and exciting opportunity. He added how he was amazed by the “picturesque” scenery, large amount of security and ability to walk freely around. 

During his time at the White House, Heller was able to discuss combating antisemitism with prominent members and supporters of the Jewish community, including Leo Terrell, Will Scharf, and Martin Marks. 

“It was nice to hear them talk about different things they’re planning on doing this year, especially targeting college campuses because of the rise in antisemitism,” Heller said. “It was great to hear that they’re pushing forward and pushing harder.” 

The briefing was mainly focused on antisemitism on college campuses, Heller said. He described multiple taskforce initiatives to reduce antisemitism in public universities, such as revoking federal funding from colleges that allow antisemitic acts and visas from international students who engage in antisemitic acts, a strategy that has proven to be quite controversial.  

“I don’t agree with everything, but there needs to be punishments for colleges that have antisemitic acts,” Heller said. “If nothing happens, it’s going to grow.” 

Heller said the meeting was a great learning experience, and its message of combating antisemitism is very important. He added that the most important thing he learned is that members of the task force are always ready to provide a helping hand if necessary. Terrell gave Heller his business card to call if needed, he said. 

The invitation also provided Heller an opportunity to feel recognized for his leadership role and effort throughout the past school year. He felt honored to be recognized as a “voice for the voiceless.”

“I know there’s a lot of people that are scared to stand up,” Heller said. “I want people to not be afraid.”

Looking towards next school year, Heller said he hopes to have a more structured event schedule for SSI and collaborate more with other student groups on campus. While he’s still concerned about the rise in antisemitism, Heller believes the future for SSI is bright. 

“We hope to grow during blastoff and get more people to join,” he said. “I don’t know how much it will grow, but I see more and more support each time we do an event.”  

John Engoglia is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].