3 minute read
73% of Jewish college students report antisemitism on campus
What can you do about it?
By Susan Pittelman, Event Chair
We have seen a dramatic increase in antisemitism in the United States. In December alone, hundreds of synagogues and Jewish institutions across the country received bomb threats. At the end of December, several institutions in our own Jewish community, including Temple Shalom and JCMI, received bomb threats. Fortunately, they have been hoaxes.
According to the Anti-Defamation League, antisemitic acts have increased over 330% since last year. Jewish college students as well as Jewish professors have been the target of much of this hate. Students who identify as Jewish, whether they vocally support Israel or not, have been harassed and even excluded from campus organizations. Many are being bullied and threatened and are now afraid to leave their dorms.
College administrations are idly standing by, or worse, are actively condoning these pro-Palestinian, antisemitic actions. Many of us find the actions — or lack of action — by administrators at our own alma maters incomprehensible. But there is something that we can do. Working through Alums for Campus Fairness (ACF), we can leverage our power as alumni and as concerned community members to help bring about change.
Dr. Rebecca Pinchevsky, Southeast Regional Assistant Director ACF, spoke at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center on Dec. 18, at a program sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, Men’s Cultural Alliance and Women’s Cultural Alliance. Dr. Pinchevsky explained that the mission of ACF is to harness the unique power of alumni to counter antisemitism and the demonization of Israel on college and university campuses across the nation.
ACF mobilizes alumni to address antisemitism by engaging with college administration and campus leaders to promote open dialogue, foster respectful debate and challenge antisemitic rhetoric and incidents when they arise.
What should I do?
Go to campusfairness.org and join Alums for Campus Fairness. There is no charge. You can then request to be connected with your alma mater.
Already 50,303 alums representing 75 colleges and universities have registered on the website to combat antisemitism on campus, stay current on campus news and network with like-minded, passionate alumni. When you register, you will have the option to be informed of incidents happening on the campus and to receive suggestions of what you can do.
If there is not a chapter at your school, you can start one! Schedule a call with an ACF staff member to learn more about the specific opportunities available. Staff
is prepared to provide you with the resources you need to make a change in your campus community.
What else can I do?
• Reach out to your alma mater and let them know that you have joined ACF, the largest network of pro-Israel alumni.
• Encourage your friends and family to sign up. ACF is powered by its members and is working to expand its network.
• Follow ACF on social media and share your story to let the world know why you joined ACF. By sharing your story, you can continue to bring awareness and support to a larger population.
• Attend an ACF event. ACF offers seminars and networking opportunities. These events are great ways to meet other leaders from successful chapters. You can help to make a difference! I hope you do.
