10 Questions with Dov Lerner of CAMERA, ZOA and Kedma

1. Describe in around 100 words the way in which you are involved in Activist Work?

I was the chapter president of University of Maryland's ZOA during 2007, and this past academic year I have been a CAMERA campus fellow. In addition, I am the Vice President of Kedma, the student board that serves UMD's over 350 Orthodox students.
2. What has been your most memorable moment while being involved in Jewish Causes?

I do not know about my most memorable moment, but my most difficult moment arose when I had to decide how to respond to the Annapolis Conference. I f I had many issues with the terms of discussion, yet I felt uncomfortable protesting a peace conference and how that image would seem to outsiders. In the end, I decided to go but make it very clear with our signs and behavior why were there.

3. What motivated you to become active in the first place?

My motivation came from a feeling of deep connection with Israel that I built during yeshiva (Lev Hatorah) and a desire to get involved in Maryland's Jewish community.

4. How did your activist work enhance your "Jewish Experience"?

My work didn't just enhance my Jewish Experience. For the time that I was President of ZOA, it defined it.

5. Which demographic do your organizations (ZOA and CAMERA) each mostly reach out to?

Although the base of my groups is the Orthodox/Hillel community, I tried reaching out to the entire campus. I had to make sure that the core remained interested and active, and I had to think of creative ways to reach out to everyone.


6. What's in store in the future for your?

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7. Can we expect you to make Aliyah and bring your great energy to Israel any time soon?

Yes, as soon after I graduate college.


8. How do you manage to balance studies with such activism work? Any tips to a proper balancing of priorities?

I like to work efficiently. If you manage and prioritize your time and only focus on what's important, you can do far more than you would expect.

9. Did you have any role model which inspired you to dedicate so much time to Jewish Activism?

Not anyone in particular, but there some people from whom I learned what to do and some from whom I learned what not to do.

10. Any final message for the readers of Tzipiyah.com (which are mostly religious zionist)?

Israel needs all the help it can get, so be smart and stay strong.