Triggered: From Combat to Campus is an ongoing speaker tour featuring IDF reservists sharing firsthand stories from October 7th and beyond. The name plays on the irony of campus outrage, where many students were “triggered” not by Hamas’ terror, but by Israel’s defense.
This project launched in spring 2025, and the results were deeply impactful. The Soldiers Tour created meaningful encounters that reshaped how students understood Israel, its defenders, and the realities of the conflict. The project’s impact was evident in positive feedback from both students and soldiers. Students expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to engage with the soldiers, recognizing the emotional and educational value of these interactions. The soldiers, in turn, left the tour inspired by the overwhelming support they received from North American students, reaffirming the power of international solidarity with Israel. At some locations, opposition groups were indeed 'triggered' and attempted to cancel or protest our events, even prompting a public statement from CAIR. However, this only fuels our determination to press forward, as backlash did not stop us - it proved exactly why the tour matters. This tour, which began as a bold idea to create a meeting space where conversations can take place between students to Israelis defending their homeland, quickly became one of the most meaningful programs SSI brings to campuses. The tour shoots down misinformation, empowering students to stand with truth, courage, and Israel.
SPEAKERS
The soldiers on this tour are former SSI members themselves - students who once organized events, led chapters, and stood on the same campuses they’re returning to now. They chose to leave behind their university lives to serve in the IDF, and today they come back not just as soldiers, but as SSI alumni with a mission: to share their experiences, inspire our students, and defend Israel both on the front lines and on campus.
Now more than ever, bringing Israeli soldiers to our college campuses is critical. We remain committed to expanding our efforts and look forward to bringing Israeli soldiers to 130+ additional campuses.
To continue this vital work, we kindly ask for your support by donating to our movement and the Israeli Soldiers Speakers Fund. Your generosity enables us to amplify our impact and stand strong for Israel on campuses worldwide.
