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Since the October 7th terrorist attack, antisemitism and hatred have exploded on American college campuses and beyond. The protests, encampments, and harassment of Jewish students have largely gone unabated for over a year. This raises urgent questions about university leadership responsibilities. As the 2024/25 academic year begins, university leaders face a critical choice: will they confront this challenge and reclaim their foundational values? Or will they continue to allow a vocal minority to upend campus life? It is clear that institutions must prioritize the safety and well-being of all students, reject divisive external influence, and foster a culture of open dialogue and academic integrity.
In our latest op-ed, "2024/25 Is a Seminal Year for American Universities – Will They Meet It?" we examine how university’s failed to combat antisemitism during the 2023/24 academic year. And we ask whether university leadership will change course and choose a different path. The piece discusses their failure to address antisemitic acts, their hesitancy to protect Jewish students, and their willingness to let a vocal minority dominate campus life. As the new school year begins, we urge leaders across the country to create a safer, more inclusive environment for all students, particularly Jewish ones, and to reclaim their roles as protectors of education.
In an article published in 2019 titled, "Pro-Palestinian Student Group Promotes Antisemitism at US College Conference," we highlighted the importance of addressing antisemitic acts on campuses, largely driven by groups like Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement. Even then, it was clear that SJP was mainstreaming anti-Israel sentiment, creating a hostile environment for Jewish students while promoting radical ideologies. This piece explored the historical roots of this hatred and emphasized the urgent need for universities to reject such narratives to uphold free speech and protect all students. It called for collective action against antisemitism, urging institutions to distance themselves from groups that perpetuate hate and disrupt academic discourse.
It’s time for universities to stand firm against antisemitism and reassert their standing as educational leaders and defenders of free thought. Let’s harness this moment to protect our communities and cultivate a culture of respect and understanding on campuses nationwide.
If you're interested in partnering with us to fight antisemitism, support the State of Israel, and protect American democracy, we would love to hear from you.
Lastly, we invite you to learn about The Henry Jackson Society, UK's boldest thinktank and policy-shaping force, working across party lines to combat extremism, advance democracy and real human rights, and make a stand in an increasingly uncertain world.
Wishing you all a Shana Tova and happy new year,
Gila and Adam Milstein
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