Israel's northern periphery is not usually known for its forward-thinking social justice projects. But the Hillel center at Tel Hai College is changing that image.

In commemoration of 10 Tevet, when we mark the stages of the destruction of the Temple in ancient times due to unfounded hatred, on December 28 Tel Hai Hillel held a panel discussion about Jewish identity and social justice in Israel. About 100 young people came from both the campus and the surrounding communities of Kiryat Shmonah and area kibbutzim, representing a cross-section of Israeli society: Arab, Druze, and Jewish; secular, traditional, observant, and hareidi. All of these young people are interested in equality and social justice.

The panel dealt with the concept of unconditional love for other people. How does my search for a personal identity affect my relationships with others? The audience was spellbound as they considered new angles on social and personal issues. Kiryat Shmonah's Deputy Mayor Yifat Shasha Biton, who sat on the panel, was amazed at the interest in social issues shown by so many young adults in the region.

Tel Hai Hillel Director Talia Itzkowitz-Vaknin reported on the aftermath of the event. "Students expressed the feeling that something special is happening in the northern Galilee, and that Tel Hai Hillel is leading the way in advancing social justice programs at the college."