Hillel’s Students for Israel will present U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., with one of its first two “Ally of Israel” awards today to honor her for backing Israel through her votes in Congress.

Students for Israel particularly approved of Schakowky’s support of U.S. House Resolution 921 in 2006, said Students for Israel co-president Sam Kleiner. The legislation condemned attacks against Israel last summer and defended Israel’s right to self-defense.

Schakowsky emphasized her bond with Israel as a Jew in an August statement.

“It has become clear that the terrorists in Hamas and Hezbollah stage their actions from within civilian communities, thereby intentionally putting civilians at risk,” Schakowsky said. “Israel must do what is necessary to defend itself while continuing to make every effort to avoid civilian casualties.”

In addition to presenting the congresswoman with a plaque in a private ceremony today, Kleiner said group members plan to take advantage of their meeting with Schakowsky to express their concerns about the Iranian nuclear program, which they believe threatens Israel.

Kleiner said the Hillel executive board plans to pick other Illinois civil servants in 2008 for a second round of awards.

– Elizabeth Gibson