In September, the Greenwich High School Israel Club hosted Kasim Hafeez, a British Muslim of Pakistani descent whose anti-Israel and anti-Semitic views were radically changed after he read The Case for Israel by Alan Dershowitz and Israel 101, the primer of Israel-education organization StandWithUs. The self-proclaimed “Muslim Zionist” is now a member of the StandWithUs UK advisory board.

He presented his talk, “The Day I Stopped Hating Israel: Confessions of an Ex-Radical,” at the club meeting. “We’ve been brought up in a decidedly pro-Judaism, pro-Zionist climate and to see the other view right alongside our own was inspiring,” says Faran Savitz, Israel Club co-president.

Students Gianna DeMasi and Maya Barak were moved to action. “Listening to Kasim’s experiences and opinions was enthralling,” they say. “He offers a unique perspective, one which is rooted in tolerance and the protection of human rights. We are enlightened to say the least. His words have inspired us to speak up and advocate for pro-Israel awareness.”