Opinion
Dear freshers, it might be scary, but we can’t hide who we are as Jews
Campus hate may be reaching its nadir, but we must stand strong
August 19, 2024 12:54
3 min read
Campus hate may be reaching its nadir, but we must stand strong
August 19, 2024 12:54Jewish students in the UK, Ireland and beyond left campuses for summer at what seemed to be the nadir of anti-Jewish, anti-Zionist, anti-Israel sentiment in academic spaces. It was marred by the worldwide encampments movement, which had become one of the biggest topics of the news cycle, partly due to the vicious antisemitism and exclusion of Jewish and Israeli voices observed within it.
Ever since then, Jewish students have hoped for antisemitism on campus to simmer down. However, as time approaches for campuses to reopen again, it becomes overwhelmingly clear that much is left to be done for Jewish student inclusion and tolerance. Even with certain developments for the benefit of the fight against antisemitism being observed, such as Minouche Shafik’s sudden resignation from her position at Columbia following the suspension of high-ranking staff members of the university (who partook in antisemitic behaviour at the time when Columbia was most under heat for its treatment of its Jewish students), the widespread antisemitism seems to remain, particularly within student unions and societies.
Jewish students must continue maintaining the momentum of standing up for themselves and their peers on campus, and against the antisemitic rhetoric that will sadly, yet undoubtedly, continue to prevail in student spaces, events and daily life on campus.
It may seem difficult, or daunting to stand above the parapet when it comes to speaking up for Jewish students affected, and that is understandable, too. However, those who feel able to should speak up: after all, just being present in the room where decisions are made on behalf of Jewish campus members is already progress towards a more tolerant, less antisemitic campus experience for everyone.
There are so many ways to spread awareness of the rise of antisemitism on campus and combat it as a student: from creating and participating in social media campaigns (Union of Jewish Students UK’s (UJS UK) campaign “We’ve Had Enough” is one recent example); organising actions of campus (an idea could be joining into the viral “Spread Hummus, Not Hate” movement, aiming to bridge the divide between Jews and Muslims in these trying times, which was also a hit on some UK campuses); meeting with Student Union officers and representatives, as well as university administration members to express your and your Jewish Society’s (JSOC’s) concerns on campus; or simply being there for each other in the community -- sometimes, it is the small actions that make all the difference.
Engagement is crucial, whether within Jewish circles on campus or university representatives. No issue can be solved without being pointed out first, and, although weary and overcome with a sense of profound injustice, Jewish students should not give up on trying to reach out, and point out the antisemitism they see and experience. No antisemitic action is “benign”, after all, and yet, so often, minor infractions are left unaddressed. It is the normalisation of antisemitism on campus that leads to bigger, more harmful actions, such as the ostracism so clearly exhibited in “Zionist-Free” zone creation, which inevitably culminates in Jewish students being blocked from accessing spaces on their campuses (what better to exemplify this with than by looking at UCLA’s current court-issued injunction order against identity-based discrimination Jewish students experienced last spring).
It is vital to tackle the issue of antisemitism on campus at its root: Jewish students should continue demanding universities take action against antisemitic behaviour observed in student and academic spaces by pushing for clear, consistent policies against antisemitism (demand your university to recognise the IHRA definition, or to explicitly name antisemitism in lists of discriminatory behaviour and hate speech), participate in advisory boards and discussions about campus policies, especially if they pertain to current protests and resolutions taken that may harm Jewish members of the university community. It is through open dialogue and consistent effort that a chance for tangible change can be created.
This can all be quite overwhelming, particularly to students who may have only begun their higher education journey in the wake of October 7th and the ensuing mayhem. It is not a fight that should be fought on one’s own, particularly not by young Jewish students, as it is, ultimately, not our duty nor pleasure to educate the world on antisemitism. Dear Jewish student, when times get tough, reach out. Reach out to your community, chaplain, JSOC, UJS, or any other helping hand outside the Jewish bubble for advice, counsel, or action.
Combatting antisemitism is not a one-man fight, but together, Jewish students can make their campuses a place where they belong. While the fight is challenging, it is one that Jewish students and allies must continue with unwavering determination. Every action, big or small, contributes towards a fairer environment for Jewish, Israeli and Zionist campus members, where hate is not tolerated, and diversity can be truly celebrated.
Let this be a time of renewed resolve as the new academic year begins. Jewish students should continue being loud and proud about their identity on campus, engaging with university administrations, building networks within the community, fostering strong alliances, and, most importantly, not losing hope for a future in which antisemitism on campus is a problem of the past.
Jewish students are part of a powerful legacy of resilience and courage that will continue to shape a future where antisemitism is not just challenged, but eradicated. With the right push and sustained activism, Jewish students can transform the campus climate into one where antisemitism has no place.