Campus Note: Eyes on Leadership
As the nation reflects on the outcomes of the election, we will continue to advocate for leaders at the federal and state levels to address the rise of antisemitism on campuses and in the classroom. This alert will continue to keep a watchful eye on developments and hold educational institutions accountable in the fight against hate.

Williams. Law enforcement and Williams University are looking for suspects after an outdoor table adorned with Israeli and American flags was defaced with antisemitic vandalism. The graffiti included messages like “F--- AmeriKKKa,” “F--- Zionists” and “Free Palestine.” College President Maud Mandel described the act as a “hateful incident,” warning that the school would hold those who committed the vandalism accountable and vowed that “as a community we must and will reject any effort to intimidate, harass or threaten people.”

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Temple. As with Wiliams, Temple University is investigating antisemitic graffiti. In this case, the vandalism was a pair of incidents at the residence of AEPi, the school’s police and Philadelphia Police have released footage of a suspect and are seeking more information from the community. A statement by President John Fry said that “while incidents like this are deeply unsettling, they will not impact the collective resolve of our community to support Jewish life at Temple University and to respond decisively to antisemitism.” It should be noted that this is the same property that has endured other acts of vandalism and trespassing during the spring and summer.

(Source: Images released by Temple Public Safety Department)

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Simmons University. Jewish Voice for Peace, an anti-Israel organization, vandalized a Sukkah at the Simmons University Hillel with pro-Gaza and antisemitic language. The vandalization sent a chilling message that Jewish students are not welcomed nor allowed to celebrate their identity on campus. Simmons University president Lynn Perry Wooten condemned the incident, stating, “Simmons condemns the antisemitic vandalism of a Jewish religious symbol on our campus. This unacceptable act is being actively investigated as a potential hate crime.”

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Rice University. On October 21, the Student Association at Rice passed a resolution urging the university to review its demonstration and postering policies. Additionally, four referenda were introduced, pushing for the Rice Management Company to disclose its investments, divest from Israel-affiliated companies, condemn violence in Gaza, and support Palestinian and anti-colonial scholarship. If approved by the Senate, these referenda will proceed to a student vote, requiring a 20% turnout and two-thirds approval to pass.

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Harvard. More than 55 graduate students staged a “pray-in” protest at the Harvard Divinity School library, demanding that the university divest from Israel’s military actions in Gaza and end censorship on campus. Led by Jewish students and open to participants from all faiths, the demonstration featured silent prayers and protest signs like “Harvard Jewish Students Say: Harvard Divest From Genocide.” The event stirred counterprotests, with some Jewish students expressing discomfort at the political nature of the demonstration in a space meant for learning, one stating “I feel like people should be able to come to a library and not see a blood libel against them.” Harvard officials are currently reviewing the incident before deciding on any potential disciplinary measures.

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Munich Takes A Stand. Bavaria’s antisemitism commissioner, Ludwig Spaenle, has called for the dismantling of an anti-Israel encampment at Munich’s Ludwig Maximilian University after reports surfaced linking the protest organizers to Hamas terrorists. According to Süddeutsche Zeitung and corroborated by antisemitism monitoring groups, the camp’s organizers reportedly held video calls with known members of Hamas, sparking outrage among officials and the public. “The times of tolerance and acceptance of those who support terror are over,” declared Spaenle, emphasizing that incitement to violence and glorification of terrorism should never be tolerated in Germany. The camp organizers have pushed back, labeling these allegations as defamation, yet the pressure to disband the encampment continues to intensify.

Presenting, Jewish Resilience. The new exhibit Between Antisemitism and Activism at the Center for Jewish History in New York sheds light on a century-long history of Jewish students and faculty navigating discrimination in academia. From battling antisemitic quotas at elite institutions to standing up against anti-Zionist rhetoric, this exhibition showcases the indomitable spirit of Jews on campus. It also celebrates triumphs, like the establishment of Hillel centers and Jewish studies programs and the rise of modern Jewish student activism. As CJH President Gavriel Rosenfeld emphasized, the history of Jewish academic activism reminds us that fighting for recognition and dignity has always been central to Jewish life on campus. The exhibit runs through December 31, highlighting the past and informing the present-day challenges of combating campus antisemitism.

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Ladies First. As antisemitism intensifies on American campuses, Jewish female professors and scientists are on the front lines in the fight against this resurgence. Dr. Aliza Lavie, a university lecturer and former member of the Knesset, highlights the formidable women on U.S. campuses who are facing down protests and in many cases, receiving little support from university leaders. “Throughout my meeting with these remarkable women, I felt the depth of pain, sadness, and disappointment they experience from the professional and personal harm they have endured," Lavie said.

Run Atrum, Run! Israeli soldier Atrum Zahavi was one of 150 runners who fiercely completed the New York City marathon as part of the Bring Them Home Now organization. As he approached the finish line, a swarm of supporters embraced him with Israeli flags and cheers of excitement. The crowd of fans followed Atrum’s lead in a powerful “Bring Them Home" chant to round out this special celebration.

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South Florida. Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi), a 20 year partner of Gift of Life Marrow Registry, has been encouraging college students to join the marrow donor registry, saving nearly 100 lives. At a recent drive at the University of South Florida, the fraternity registered its 20-thousandth donor! AEPi’s dedication to this mission has created a positive impact on campuses and inspired members to continue supporting life-saving efforts beyond college. ADL is a proud partner of AEPi and helped co-found AEPi’s Antisemitism Response Center (ARC) to push back against the rising tide of antisemitism on college campuses.

• 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.
• Faculty and Staff — support for impacted faculty and staff, and guidance on how to discuss what constitutes antisemitism and anti-Zionism, and how to provide help to students and colleagues.
• 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!

Do you have something to share with us? Please email us at [email protected] with any suggestions, questions, photos or videos.