Pomona. Hundreds of anti-Israel demonstrators invaded Pomona College's Carnegie Hall on Oct. 7, calling for BDS and chanting “There is only one solution: Intifada revolution.” The building had to be evacuated, interrupting classes; the building suffered damage and vandalism. As Fernando Lozano, chair of Pomona’s Economics Department, noted: “Anonymous protestors hidden behind the invisibility of a mask shatter our common humanity, and eradicate the empathy and trust we have built.” The hammer seems to be coming down for at least some protesters. As the university’s President G. Gabrielle Starr said in her letter to the school, “sanctions will range widely, including campus bans, suspension and expulsion.”

(Source: @claremont.undercurrents | instagram)

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Chicago. Three anti-Israel protesters were arrested at the University of Chicago after a confrontation/brawl between hundreds of demonstrators and the police. A statement from the school explained what happened: “Protesters instigated confrontations with police by physically surrounding a police car, further vandalizing and damaging property, blocking the public road, and striking police officers who responded.” According to reports, two of the arrests were for battery to a police officer and one for criminal damage.

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Rice. A half-day antisemitism training for faculty and staff was held at Rice University. This was twisted into another anti-Israel protest and propaganda opportunity by Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). After a slew of anti-Israel protests on campus, the Texas school implemented the antisemitism training as part of the school’s broader efforts to promote “student belonging” and to protect free speech. The Rice SJP chapter took to Instagram with a post that stated, “Rice University pushes Zionist propaganda training onto vice provosts, deans, program heads and staff.” This summer, Rice SJP also latched onto a local pride parade as something to condemn because the primary sponsor, Chevron, has business interests in Israel.

DEEPER: Read ADL’s backgrounder on SJP’s network of anti-Israel, anti-Zionist student groups.

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Connecticut. Fragments are all that’s left of flyers posted by Jewish students at the University of Connecticut last week. What happened? As UConn’s Jewish on Campus group described: “On October 6th, we put up flyers to remind everyone that there are still 101 hostages in Gaza. On October 7th, 2024, the one year anniversary since these hostages were taken captive, these fliers were torn down.”

(Source: @StopAntisemites | X/Twitter)

Serving Up Unity for Dinner. As universities across the country struggled with protests and incidents on Oct. 7, American University tried something different - a Unity Dinner. With over 400 students, staff, faculty and alumni gathered on the quad, the university’s President Jon Alger invited Jewish, Muslim and Christian leaders to reflect on Oct. 7 and the challenging year that followed, highlighting how the community has more that unites it than divides it. Here is a post about this righteous repast by Kogod School of Business Dean and ADL supporter David Marchick.

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Harris Hits Hate Head-On. In a virtual event just before Yom Kippur, Vice President Kamala Harris took a stand against the surge of antisemitism on American college campuses. Speaking directly to Jewish students and their families, Harris discussed the deep concerns of parents whose children are facing hostility on campus. She struck a balance, emphasizing the importance of freedom of speech while condemning calls to violence and harassment. “When Jews are targeted because of their beliefs or identity... that is antisemitism, and I condemn it.”

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Big League Warning to Ivy League Schools. U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise didn't mince words to Harvard and other top-tier universities, threatening to revoke their federal accreditation if they fail to take more serious steps to address campus antisemitism. “Your accreditation is on the line,” Scalise said at AIPAC last week, spotlighting Harvard, Columbia and Penn for failing to do enough about the surge in antisemitic incidents since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks. With federal funding and financial aid in play, these educational institutions are now walking a tightrope as lawmakers from six congressional committees continue to investigate their responses to antisemitism.

DEEPER: Read ADL’s report on the need for action in the face of six alarming trends on campus since Oct. 7 to ensure campus is safe for all community members, including Jewish students, staff and faculty. Or watch this short ADL video explainer on the six trends.

Torah of Remembrance. On the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attack, a unique Torah scroll was installed at the Western Wall to honor those who tragically lost their lives in the attacks. Families of victims, freed hostages and survivors participated in writing the Torah, as did thousands of others, from the President of Israel to members of the general public. The project was initiated by Israeli philanthropist Haim Taib, who emphasized that this Torah represents the unity, resilience and shared values of the Jewish people. As the final letters were inscribed, the ceremony brought together a nation in mourning and remembrance, showcasing the enduring strength of the Jewish community.

(The 10/7 torah scroll. Credit: Menomadin Foundation.)

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Marching in November. Be there in DC on Nov. 10 for an outpouring of support for Israel, for those killed by the terrorists and for the hostages still in Gaza. “Stand Together — an event of Unity, Strength, and Resilience” will be a massive and much-needed sequel to The March for Israel last November, which was a beautiful moment, though one inspired by an alarming need. As ADL’s Jonathan Greenblatt said of the hundreds of thousands of people who gathered last fall on the National Mall, “These were Jews and non-Jews. These were Republicans and Democrats. We sang the U.S. national anthem. We sang Hatikvah. I mean, where else in America today could you see something like that?”

• Students — how to take action, deal with antisemitism, and organize your community.
• Alumni — how to organize a sign-on letter, answer a fundraising request, or write a letter to a university president.
• Parents — write a letter about commencement, organize a dial day, or get help selecting a college for your student.
• Glossary of Commonly Used Antisemitic Phrases Heard at Protests.
• Campus Antisemitism Report Card — see the grade a college earned in this first-ever report card.
• Report an Antisemitic Incident.
• Are you a student or know one who needs legal help? Contact our Campus Antisemitism Legal Line (CALL), run by ADL, Hillel, the Brandeis Center, and Gibson Dunn. Hundreds of incidents have been reported. You are not alone!

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