On this episode of Deep Dive, host Maria Friedman sits down with Kirby Calhoun, Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI) on Campus, for a conversation about rising antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment on college campuses—and the role Christian and other allies can play in supporting Jewish students and engaging in campus discussions about Israel.
Calhoun discusses the work of CUFI on Campus, how Christian students and pro-Israel advocates can stand alongside their local Jewish student populations, and why building relationships between communities has become increasingly important in the current campus environment. The conversation also explores the challenges facing Jewish students and advocates, the importance of addressing antisemitism, and the broader questions surrounding Israel, America’s relationship with its Middle Eastern ally, and campus activism.
The issue has particular relevance for Rhode Island, where colleges and universities are part of the broader national conversation surrounding antisemitism, Israel, and free expression on campus.
Kirby Calhoun brings a unique perspective to the discussion. A thirteen-year Army combat veteran, Calhoun served as a human intelligence collector before becoming a Special Forces communications sergeant. He deployed to Iraq in support of OIF 07/08, Afghanistan in support of OEF 12/13, and Colombia in 2014 in support of a counter-narcotics mission. He published his testimony, Single Set of Bootprints: A Story of a God-made Green Beret, in 2019.
Calhoun earned his B.A. in Maritime Studies with a minor in history from the University of West Florida, where he founded the CUFI on Campus chapter. He has also served as a Congressional Liaison since 2018. Today, he and his wife, Tara, live in the Florida Panhandle with their two children.
Learn more and get involved:
RICI — ricoalitionforisrael.org
CUFI — cufi.org
Deep Dive with the Rhode Island Coalition for Israel (RICI) on The Ocean State Current is a bold exploration of the issues shaping Israel, America, Rhode Island, and the future of Western civilization. Hosted by Maria Friedman, Executive Director of RICI, the podcast brings clarity to complex topics so that our viewers have the knowledge and confidence to engage in informed discussions. RICI is a non-profit 501(c)3 with the mission to combat Jew-hatred, educate about Israel, and promote our shared Judeo-Christian or democratic values.
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