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Maine. The University of Maine System’s board of trustees rejected
a proposal to divest from Israel during a special Dec. 17 online meeting, despite pressure from the campus chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP). Trustee Trish Riley emphasized the importance of fostering dialogue, stating, “To take a position on your demands would effectively shut down opportunities for conversation… and in doing so, undermine our educational mission.” The JVP chapter, comprising roughly 10 members, expressed disappointment, declaring on Instagram that they will “continue to amplify demands in solidarity with Palestinians” and pursue divestment efforts.
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Colorado. Two students who had been disciplined by the University of Colorado-Boulder for their roles in an anti-Israel protest
on campus are now suing the school, claiming that their rights were violated. The Oct. 3 divestment-oriented protest was organized by Students for Justice in Palestine to disrupt a career fair hosting military and defense contractors on campus. SJP was also put in “bad standing” with the university as a result of the protest and other acts that violated school policies. The students named in the lawsuit were banned from campus for nearly two months after participating in the protest.
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(Source: Boulder_SJP | Instagram) |
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Lehigh. This week the U.S. Education Department announced a resolution to its case with Lehigh University, noting “concerns that the university appears not to have evaluated whether individual incidents of alleged harassment … contributed to a hostile environment for students on campus.” Specific examples
in the report include multiple instances of mezuzahs being stolen from the doors of dorm rooms. The agreement with the school does not constitute an admission of liability or wrongdoing by Lehigh, but the school has in any case committed to steps that include holding trainings and conducting a “climate assessment.”
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Florida. The latest Hate Crimes in Florida Report showed a 94% increase in antisemitic hate crimes in the state from 2022 to 2023. Ashley Moody, Florida’s AG, announced a law enforcement training session
at Florida Atlantic University in April. Developed in partnership with the Combat Antisemitism Movement and George Washington University’s Program on Extremism, the training will focus on the presence of Hamas and its imagery at protests on American campuses. The training will also cover the roles of Iranian and Hezbollah networks in propaganda. "Florida is a law-and-order state, and we have taken extraordinary steps to protect the Jewish community since the October 7th attacks," Moody said.
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Bright Lights. The Shine A Light on Antisemitism Civic Courage Award, powered by The Jewish Education Project,
honors individuals combating antisemitism through leadership and action. This year’s university student winners included Abby Mehr (The Ohio State University), Olivia Raykhman (West Point), and Emma Steinhause (University of Maryland). Their efforts highlight extraordinary courage and commitment to countering hate. The award was also given to thirteen other individuals, including four university professors. Among them is Associate Dean Luis Inoa of Vassar College, recognized for his exceptional commitment to fostering inclusion for Jewish and Zionist students.
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Academia vs. Antisemitism.
The recent appearance of U.N. Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese at the London School of Economics underscores a troubling reality: universities are failing to protect Jewish students from hostility masquerading as academic discourse. Known for controversial statements, including claims of “Jewish lobby” influence over America, Albanese’s presence raised alarms among Jewish students and communities. Her rhetoric, coupled with recent incidents such as attacks on pro-Israel displays at Exeter University and threats at King’s College London, showcases a dangerous environment for Jewish students. Her presence, as author Fair Shukurlu
notes, sends a dangerous message, fueling an environment where Jewish students face threats. | |
From The Battleground to the Boardroom. Itamar Ben Hemo, co-founder of Israeli data integration platform Rivery, exemplifies resilience.
Nearly a year after being critically injured while serving in the IDF reserves, Ben Hemo led his company to a $100 million acquisition by Boomi, a US-based data management firm. Despite facing life-threatening injuries in a Hamas ambush and undergoing months of recovery, Ben Hemo remained committed to his company, conducting meetings even from his hospital bed. His return to Rivery brought stability, paving the way for the acquisition. The deal reflects Boomi’s trust in Israeli tech, and a portion of the proceeds will support the family of an employee lost to war.
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(Courtesy: Rivery) |
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Drawing Closer. As the Assad regime faltered, the Druze community in the Golan Heights has increasingly grown closer to Israel,
as is shown by the doubling of the percentage of Golan Druze who now hold Israeli citizenship. As researcher Dr. Yusri Hazran explained, “The Druze see their mother country disintegrating with the fall of the Assad regime and they are looking for an anchor.” Factors encouraging this momentum towards citizenship include the anger caused by the rocket attack by Hezbollah (an Assad ally) last year that killed 12 Druze children, and the gradual increase in economic ties to Israel based on tourism and construction.
DEEPER: Late last year, ADL's Israel office launched an important new initiative — the Druze Leadership Program, with a goal of promoting a just and cohesive Israel. | |
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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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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.
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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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