Antisemitism and Jewish Joy on Campus

  • Gil Preuss
  • 16 October 2024

It might be an unusual take, but Yom Kippur is my favorite holiday. I enjoy the meaning and prayers and welcome the chance for personal reflection and being together in community. (The afternoon nap doesn’t hurt, either.) I also appreciate the holiday wisdom shared by rabbis and scholars. One point of discussion that’s stayed with me was what has been called the “Jewish Surge” of engagement — the spirit of hope despite the trauma we’ve endured, whether it’s wearing a yellow ribbon pin, walking into Hillel for the first time, or supporting Israel through Federation.

I’d love to hear what resonated with you over Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur — drop me a note and let me know — and read on for an incredible story from the week below. I’ll be back with more on November 1st.

Wishing you and yours a sweet and joyful Sukkot,

Gil

Antisemitism — and Jewish Joy — on Campus
Sadly, more antisemitic vandalism on campus — this time at American University. Earlier this week, AU’s flagship campus sign was vandalized with the words “The Genocide University” in an act to intimidate young Jewish people.

Hateful graffiti may get media coverage, but the Jewish students on campus are not going to let this be the story.

I want to point you instead to the resilience and leadership of a community coming together to show that hate won’t win out. Take a look:

  • On October 7th, AU Hillel held an incredible unity dinner on the quad for more than 300 people. The event grew out of discussions between AU Hillel and the university leadership and focused on the kind of community they want to build after the painful past year: one in which Jewish students — and all students — feel a sense of safety and belonging.
  • To continue this effort, AU Hillel will partner with AU Athletics to host American freestyle wrestler Amit Elor this weekend. Amit will share her journey as a Jewish American Olympian and how she’s responded to the antisemitic hate spewed at her by expressing her Jewish pride more and more publicly.

I’ve invited the directors of our local Hillels to join me in my family’s sukkah this Monday. Our conversation will center on the needs facing students and professionals on campus, and help us develop strategies to ensure our Jewish students are safe and joyful. I’ll share more about our time together soon.