NEWS: New Campus Climate Survey Tool for Universities. ADL and Gratz College have created a model campus climate survey designed for use by campus administrators so they can assess Jewish student experiences, promoting inclusivity and a deeper understanding of campus antisemitism. This tool equips colleges and universities with tried-and-tested survey questions that accurately capture the prevalence and impact of antisemitism on their campuses. This initiative enables administrators, staff, faculty and students to better address the challenges Jewish students face and helps compare campus climates nationwide so responses can be data-driven and effective.

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Rochester. The University of Rochester launched an investigation after hundreds of "Wanted" posters targeting Jewish faculty and staff were found glued to campus buildings. The posters accused the individuals of being connected to "War Crimes" and of promoting "Racism. Hate Speech. Intimidation. The ADL NY/NJ Regional Office put out a statement last night calling on the university to speak out against this act of antisemitism and reached out to the university offering support in responding to the incident. University President Sarah Mangelsdorf condemned the posters, saying, "We view this as antisemitism, which will not be tolerated at our University. This isn’t who we are. This goes against everything we stand for and we have an obligation to reject it.” The University's Department of Public Safety, along with law enforcement, is actively investigating.

(Wanted posters that were placed across the University of Rochester's campus | Source: CNN)

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DePaul. An anti-Israel group has sparked controversy by publishing a "wanted" poster targeting a Jewish student at DePaul University, who had recently been hospitalized after being attacked in an antisemitic assault on campus. The Chicago Police Department is currently investigating the assault as a hate crime. The group, Behind Enemy Lines, justified the attack and the threatening poster saying, "This week, someone finally gave this student a tiny bit of the justice that genociders and mass killers deserve... It's time to escalate resistance and not cower." The group also criticized DePaul for enabling pro-Israel students to promote their views on campus. This rhetoric has raised serious concerns about incitement to further violence and antisemitism on campus.

(Source: anti_imperialist_resistance | Instagram)

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Harvard. A lawsuit  accusing Harvard University of ignoring antisemitism has moved forward to the discovery phase. The case, filed by the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, centers on a series of incidents involving Harvard professor Marshall Ganz, who allegedly discriminated against Israeli students in his class, accusing them of "white supremacy" and forcing them into a Palestinian solidarity exercise. Despite an independent investigation by Harvard that found Ganz's actions created a hostile environment, the university did not take any corrective action. The Brandeis Center's lawsuit seeks injunctive relief under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

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Protests Against Albanese. After widespread disapproval of her U.S. campus tour given her criticism of Israel frequently crossing into antisemitic territory, UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese is embarking on a similar initiative in the U.K. Representatives from the group Campaign Against Antisemitism assembled to protest her event at the London School of Economics, while a demonstration at Queen Mary University of London was cancelled following “threats in local residents’ groups to engage in ‘Amsterdam-style’ violence against” those protesting Albanese.

DEEPER: To learn more about the problematic rhetoric espoused by Albanese, read ADL’s recent backgrounder — Francesca Albanese in Her Own Words.

Jewish Unity. Rabbi David Markowitz from OLAMI, an ADL campus partner, highlights how Jewish student unity is strengthening the fight against campus antisemitism. Record attendance at Shabbat dinners, cultural events and educational initiatives has fostered belonging and pride, while students and allies organize protests and engage with legal advocates. “This surge in participation empowers Jewish individuals to express their identity openly and stand unified against hate,” says Markowitz. Though challenges remain, these efforts show progress fueled by shared values and community solidarity.

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Singing His Praises. Charles Chavis Jr., a professor at George Mason University and the founder of the John Mitchell, Jr. Program for History, Justice, and Race, will be honored at ADL's In Concert Against Hate  event. Chavis is being recognized for his scholarship on racial violence, civil rights activism and Black-Jewish relations in the American South, as well as his efforts to promote peacebuilding and social justice. ADL Washington Regional Director Meredith Weisel said, "at a time when our world is so rife with conflict and division, Dr. Chavis is an embodiment of a light we all need. We are thrilled to highlight him and his crucial work.”

Reel Israeli Stories: Showcasing the rich diversity of Israeli cinema, the 36th Israel Film Festival in Los Angeles will take place from November 13-26 and will show 40 films and host panel discussions with Israeli-American producers. Reflecting on the anniversary of the festival, founder and executive director Meir Fenigstein expressed hope that 36 “would be an especially lucky number,” particularly as it holds a unique significance in Jewish tradition. Following three postponements to the festival and a year marked by war, this festival is a vital opportunity to celebrate Israeli culture.

(Source: israelfilmfestival.com)

• 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!

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