When I was a student at the University of Maryland (’11), I distinctly remember feeling safe being a Jew on campus. My AEPi house and the Hillel never faced antisemitic graffiti, I never had an issue getting an excused absence for Jewish holidays, and our annual Israel festival was proudly celebrated on the largest campus quad in the country, McKeldin Mall. Being outwardly Jewish at the University of Maryland was an easy, positive, and even unremarkable experience. I think my experience at UMD was the status quo for most Jews in America. In the years since, and especially in the last three weeks, Jewish students around the country have faced a very different reality. Since October 7th, when walking on campus or in their classrooms, Jewish students have faced unprecedented levels of antisemitism. Dorm rooms have been defaced and antisemitic messaging has been found on campus sidewalks.
Enough is enough.
Our children deserve to feel safe to be Jewish at their colleges and universities.
On Wednesday, I went to Emory University for the Walk with Hillel event organized by Hillels of Georgia. In addition to Emory, there were walks planned at Tech, State, KSU, SCAD, and UGA. This walk represented the very thing we demand for all Jewish students, to walk their campus without confronting antisemitism. We made the peaceful walk from Emory’s Hillel to Convocation Hall on campus. I was inspired by the hundreds of Jews from around Atlanta who showed up to support Jewish students on Emory’s campus and on all Georgia college campuses. We heard from Emory Hillel’s student leadership who expressed feeling safe on campus, but they know that many of their friends around Georgia and the country do not share this luxury.
Yesterday, I sent a letter of support on behalf of Rabbi Spike and Rabbi Rachael to all Temple Emanu-El college students and their parents. Witnessing the alarming rise in antisemitism on college campuses, it is vital to us that our students have the resources they need to feel safe and proud to be Jewish no matter where they are. This letter provided resources for education, but more importantly, our personal cell numbers so that our young adults at university could reach us if they have questions and need rabbinic support.
We will not be quiet in the face of antisemitism. This Shabbat, may we find strength, purpose, and comfort in our congregation, and let us raise our prayers with Jews the world over for the safety of our people.
Am Yisrael Chai,
Rabbi Max