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Due to the Simchat Torah holiday, the next new issue will be in your inboxes on Monday. | |
Anti-Zionist Sukkahs Removed on Campuses. Universities like UC Berkeley and Northwestern are taking action against ‘protest sukkahs,’
removing them and disciplining students involved. At Berkeley, for example, the structure was dismantled within an hour, as it violated new regulations prohibiting temporary structures without university approval — rules introduced after last year's disruptions caused by encampments. Jewish Voice for Peace was one of the groups behind the protests. Similar sukkahs were reported at Brown, NYU, and UCLA.
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UCLA. Speaking of those protest sukkahs... "Last year when unapproved structures and tents went up on the UCLA campus, the administration failed to act. This year, with new 'time, place and manner' guidelines in place, UCLA responded swiftly,” said ADL’s LA office, commenting on Monday’s construction and removal of a
“Gaza solidarity Sukkah” on campus. One protester was arrested after the brief encampment, where chants of “Israel is a terrorist state” were met with cheers from counter-protesters, supporting the police who took action against the gathering.
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UConn. Veterans for Peace and UConn Divest joined forces to protest the U.S. deploying 100 troops and military weapons to support Israel. One of the students who participated in the protest stated, “We made a promise not to stop until UConn divests from genocide. We will keep that promise. We take liberation instead as our rallying cry.”
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(Source: Liliana French / The Daily Campus) |
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Hillel Under Attack. National Students for Justice in Palestine (NSJP) has launched the #DropHillel campaign, targeting Hillel International, the largest Jewish campus organization in the world. The campaign accuses Hillel of promoting “pro-Israel indoctrination”
and demands the abolition of its chapters on campuses. The movement gained momentum at a recent rally at UNC-Chapel Hill, where SJP protesters called for “no more Hillel,” saying that shuttering the hub for Jewish life is a long coveted goal for the anti-Zionist movement.
DEEPER: This campaign comes amid a sharp rise in anti-Israel activity on college campuses. ADL’s recent report discovered anti-Zionist incidents have surged by 477% in the past year, with Jewish students increasingly facing harassment and physical threats. | |
Schools Standing Strong. Both Stanford University and the University of Pennsylvania have rejected recent proposals to divest from Israel, frustrating pro-Palestinian activists. At Stanford, the university’s Board of Trustees decided to take no action on a petition calling for divestment from companies linked to the Israel Defense Forces. Rabbi Jessica Kirschner, executive director of Stanford Hillel, praised the decision.
Similarly, at Penn, the Muslim Students Association’s divestment proposal was declined by the University Council Steering Committee, reaffirming the university’s opposition to boycotts, divestment, or sanctions against Israel.
DEEPER: ADL's Marc Levine commended Stanford’s decision, noting that divestment would have “politicized investments to further SJP’s goal of delegitimizing Israel’s existence.” And according to JLens' report, the 100 largest university endowments could face an aggregate loss of $33.2 billion from 2023 to 2033 if they adopt BDS-aligned investment strategies.
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Pitted Against Hate. Tamar Franbach writes powerfully
about the challenges of her experience at the University of Pittsburgh, where she serves as an officer in a pro-Israel student group. This year has been eye-opening for Tamar, who notes incidents including multiple violent attacks on Jewish students, and a growing concern about the university’s ability to protect its Jewish community. But at the same time, she has watched the Pitt Jewish community flourish, with full services and packed community events. As Tamar puts it, "We may not be able to control people’s opinions of us, but what we can control is our pride, our spirit and our joy." | |
A Unique Tribute to Hersh Goldberg-Polin. Danielle Berrin recently welcomed new, Jewish life into the world, after so many were taken from the community this past year. After visiting the Nova festival site in Israel and learning the story of Rachel Goldberg-Polin, who lost her son Hersh to Hamas terrorists, Berrin decided to name her newborn son Moses Tzvi, in honor of Hersh.
“It wasn’t only that I wanted to be a mother. I wanted to be a mother like Rachel,” Berrin said, referencing Rachel’s courage as she continues to lead efforts to bring home the hostages from October 7th. As Berrin beautifully put it, “In a world with few clear heroes, enter Rachel, who in her darkest hour lit the way for me and countless others, modeling the power and terror of motherhood — the most meaningful role there is.”
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Fighting for a Cause. Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. has once again stepped into the ring
to show his unwavering support for Israel, this time donating $100,000 to provide 100 bulletproof vests for Israeli medical volunteers on the front lines. The donation was announced at a packed Jerusalem concert for United Hatzalah, a volunteer emergency-rescue service, raising funds for protective gear. Mayweather, who retired undefeated after a legendary career, has consistently demonstrated solidarity with Israel, previously donating ambulances and wearing a Star of David during a wartime visit. Now, his contribution ensures that Israeli volunteers stay safe while saving lives.
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(Source: United Hatzalah) |
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Students — how to take action, deal with antisemitism, and organize your community.
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Alumni — how to organize a sign-on letter, answer a fundraising request, or write a letter to a university president.
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Parents — write a letter about commencement, organize a dial day, or get help selecting a college for your student.
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Glossary of Commonly Used Antisemitic Phrases Heard at Protests.
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Campus Antisemitism Report Card — see the grade a college earned in this first-ever report card.
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Report an Antisemitic Incident.
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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!
Do you have something to share with us? Please email us at [email protected] with any suggestions, questions, photos or videos. | |
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