Campus rabbis alarmed by students’ bold anti-Semitism.
College Campus Rabbis Speak Out Against Rising Anti-Semitic Protests
Over the weekend, several college campus rabbis addressed the alarming increase in brazen anti-Semitic protests and demonstrations that have spread rapidly since the October 7th terror attacks carried out by Hamas in Israel.
During Brooklyn’s annual Chabad event in New York City, these rabbis spoke to The New York Post, shedding light on the growing danger Jewish students face on college campuses across the country.
Rabbi Levi Haskelevich, who has served as the Chabad rabbi at the University of Pennsylvania for more than two decades, expressed his concern, stating, “It’s been disturbing, unnerving — it’s been a shock to students to see that kind of immediate chutzpah, where the demonstrators came out even before the blood dried up, to shout with such audacity on the campus with no qualifications at all.”
In a recent video, Rabbi Haskelevich was seen helping a Jewish student put on tefillin, which are black leather boxes containing Hebrew parchment scrolls. Despite protesters marching past, some mere inches away, shouting “Free, free Palestine!” Rabbi Haskelevich remained steadfast in his support.
No word. pic.twitter.com/R71PBQenwc
— Motti Seligson (@mottiseligson) October 17, 2023
“We have students who are into their PhDs who said from the moment of the attacks they could not find a safe place on campus,” Rabbi Haskelevich added, highlighting the fear and vulnerability experienced by Jewish students.
Rabbi Meir Chaim Posner from Yale University Chabad expressed the pain Jewish students endure when their close friends fail to understand or support their mourning and suffering. He stated, “And then in the weeks after, they’ll find a close friend who is actively supporting Hamas.”
Since the October 7th attacks, anti-Semitic demonstrations have surged. Hamas terrorists breached the border, resulting in the brutal slaughter of over 1,400 Israelis, including men, women, children, and even infants. Thousands more were injured, and over 200 individuals were kidnapped and taken into Gaza. Recent reports suggest that some of the hostages, including a few American citizens, are being held in Hamas’ extensive network of tunnels beneath Gaza.
College campuses have become hotspots for these demonstrations, leaving Jewish students afraid to leave their rooms in some cases.
How can educational institutions effectively combat the increasing organization and spread of anti-Semitic protests on college campuses?
Our community to witness the surge in anti-Semitic protests on college campuses. Our students should feel safe and supported in their pursuit of education, but instead, they are facing hostility and discrimination.”
Rabbi Haskelevich’s sentiments were echoed by Rabbi Shmuel Bearman, the campus rabbi at Columbia University. He emphasized the need for universities to take a stronger stand against anti-Semitism and to create a more inclusive and respectful environment for Jewish students.
“We cannot allow this hatred to continue unchecked. It is the responsibility of our educational institutions to foster an atmosphere of tolerance and acceptance, and to ensure that Jewish students are not targeted simply for their religious beliefs,” stated Rabbi Bearman.
These college campus rabbis also expressed their concern that these anti-Semitic protests are not just limited to a few isolated incidents. They are becoming more organized and widespread, with extremist groups using social media platforms to spread their hateful ideologies.
Rabbi Simcha Weiss, the campus rabbi at UCLA, emphasized the need for immediate action, saying, “We must address this issue head-on. Our universities must implement stronger measures to combat anti-Semitism and create an atmosphere of inclusivity for all students, regardless of their religion.”
These rabbis called on university administrators, faculty, and students to take a united stand against anti-Semitism. They urged educational institutions to provide education about Judaism, promote interfaith dialogue, and foster a sense of empathy and understanding among students of different religious backgrounds.
They also called for increased security measures on college campuses to ensure the safety of Jewish students. Rabbi Haskelevich highlighted the importance of having visible security presence at events and gatherings, stating, ”We need to make sure our students feel protected and supported, especially in the face of these anti-Semitic protests.”
The rise in anti-Semitic protests on college campuses is deeply concerning, and it is crucial that this issue is addressed promptly and effectively. College campus rabbis are sounding the alarm and urging action from all stakeholders involved in higher education.
In a time when diversity and inclusion are buzzwords in academia, it is disheartening to see Jewish students being targeted and marginalized. Universities must actively work to dismantle anti-Semitic attitudes and create a safe and inclusive space for all their students.
As Rabbi Bearman aptly puts it, ”An attack on any religious or ethnic group is an attack on the fundamental values of our society. It is our collective responsibility to stand up against hatred and discrimination, and to ensure that our college campuses remain bastions of tolerance and respect.”
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