Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the next new issue will be in your inboxes on Monday, December 2nd. Happy Thanksgiving!

Occidental Settlement Marks a Milestone in Campus Antisemitism Fight. Occidental College has agreed to sweeping reforms to address antisemitism as part of a Title VI settlement following a complaint filed by ADL and the Brandeis Center. Among others, the measures include considering the IHRA definition of antisemitism when reviewing complaints of antisemitic harassment and discrimination, holding campus-wide Title VI trainings for both faculty and students, which will include specific sessions on antisemitic harassment, and appointing an Associate Director of Jewish Student Life. ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt emphasized hope that this resolution will lead other colleges to take action and affirm that “antisemitism has no place on campus,” while Brandeis Center President Alyza Lewin highlighted Occidental’s commitment to creating a safer environment for Jewish students. This landmark resolution sets a precedent for tackling campus antisemitism nationwide.

DEEPER: Read more about the settlement here.

(Source | James Miller/The Occidental)

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Targeting Jews is Antisemitism. Following Thursday’s anti-Israel protests at Columbia University’s Kraft Center, where protesters disrupted an event featuring Barak Ravid, new details underscore escalating antisemitism. Protestors targeted Hillel and Jewish philanthropist Robert Kraft and called Ravid a “henchman of genocide.” They also vandalized the Kraft Center and demanded Columbia sever ties with Hillel. Columbia has pledged to enhance security, while critics, including Congress, called for accountability. Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) said, “Targeting Jewish spaces isn’t protest...it’s vile antisemitism.” ADL’s Shira Goodman emphasized, “They try to hide it behind Israel, or the ‘Zionist entity,’ but they really are targeting the center of Jewish life on campus; places where students go to eat, pray and be with other students, not necessarily to engage in activities related to Israel.”

DEEPER: For a closer look at how antisemitic and anti-Israel activists are targeting Hillel and Jewish campus life, explore ADL’s breakdown here.

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Michigan. After a tumultuous time for the University of Michigan’s student government, the ‘Shut It Down” party, known for vetoing the student budget in order to push for anti-Israel BDS goals, suffered a defeat in student government special elections, with a new party called “Keep It Running ” winning six seats. Alex Richmond, one of the newly elected “Keep it Running” representatives, said that “I think that to a large extent, the student body became fed up" with the party in power. The leaders of “Shut It Down” were impeached earlier this month over inciting violence against other student representatives, and calling some opponents “Zionists.”

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University of Illinois. A participant in an anti-Israel encampment at University of Illinois has pled guilty to charges of mob action and obstruction of a peace officer. According to the charging document, the defendant “knowingly obstructed the performance by University of Illinois Police Officer Lt. Jason Bradley and other officers of an authorized act within their official capacity.” As part of the sentence, the individual must complete 100 hours of public service and will serve 12 months of conditional discharge. No prison time will be required if the public service duties are fulfilled.

(Source | Alyssa Shih)

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Biden Legacy on Campus Antisemitism. As the Biden administration's term nears its end, the challenges of combating campus antisemitism loom large. Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the DOE Catherine Lhamon understands that her to-do list won’t get fully crossed off before the year is up. Since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, Lhamon’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has opened more investigations into antisemitic harassment than ever before, with 124 cases still unresolved. While some commend OCR’s efforts, critics argue investigations are slow and enforcement lacks teeth. ADL’s Shira Goodman underscores the need for accountability, stating, “We want to make sure that if these universities don’t comply… that there are some real penalties.” Despite progress, including high-profile resolution agreements with institutions like Brown and CUNY, the path to ensuring campus safety for Jewish students remains steep.

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CUNY. In a tense meeting of New York’s City Council Higher Education Committee, Council Members dug into CUNY efforts to address discrimination. This comes after the Lippman Report, created at the request of New York’s Governor, found numerous antisemitic incidents on CUNY campuses. CUNY Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez discussed steps taken by the school but declined to ban masks and other face coverings. Committee chair Eric Dinowitz expressed frustration over the lack of clear guidelines, stating, “One of the biggest deficits that we found are the clear guidelines on consequences and discipline... we’re aware of some of the efforts you’re making, although there’s a lot more to do.” ADL New York/New Jersey praised the hearing and commended those brave students who testified, expressing hope that CUNY will take meaningful steps to combat antisemitism and ensure a safe environment for all students.

Making Healthcare Safe for All. Antisemitism in medical schools and hospitals has been steadily increasing post 10/7, creating challenges for Jewish doctors, students and patients while raising concerns about medical ethics. In response to this terrible trend, leaders in the medical community are pushing for solutions such as mandatory education on Jewish identity and antisemitism. Organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) are taking strong stances against hate, promoting inclusion and emphasizing the enforcement of codes of conduct. Benjamin Hoffman, President of AAP stated, “Rising antisemitism in the United States shatters the sense of safety, identity and belonging for Jewish children and families. ... Antisemitism, like any other form of hate and bigotry, has no place in medicine.” 

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In Deanial No More. While visiting Israel for an education conference, George Washington University Dean Michael J. Feuer emphasized the need to make DEI programs more inclusive of Jewish experiences. Feuer, who has long championed equity in education, acknowledged that antisemitism and anti-Zionism are often overlooked in these frameworks. “There’s work to be done here,” he said, noting the importance of rebuilding coalitions between Jewish and other marginalized communities. His efforts at GWU include educating faculty nationwide on addressing antisemitism within DEI initiatives, offering a path to mend divides and foster greater understanding between groups.

Good Dog. An innovative effort by an Israeli nonprofit, the Canines Program at the Michal Sela Forum, gives trained dogs to women who feel threatened with violence by former partners. So far, the program really works. The service dogs have reduced threats and allow the women to feel more in control. The study of the program also showed that these women were then far more likely to engage in social activities, such as trips and social gatherings, with their children. As Batya, one of the program beneficiaries noted, "it’s easier to sleep at night” now that she has her service dog, Bamba.

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A Slam Dunk for team Israel. Israel’s basketball team has advanced to the EuroBasket 2025 after a crucial victory against Ukraine. Coach Ariel Beit Halachmi shared his pride after the game, “I feel such satisfaction — we did this in style and as a team. This was a great week, with everyone, from players to staff, showing tremendous dedication to achieve our goal.” Team Israel’s journey continues in February with games against Portugal and Slovenia — stay tuned and show your support!

(Source: FIBA/COURTESY)

• 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.