Unmasking hate. A new bill up in NY State seeks to reduce harassment and intimidation towards Jewish students by individuals concealing their identities behind masks. ADL has worked alongside civil rights leaders from across New York to support this bill, which is a commonsense measure that seeks to end the practice of menacing or threatening others, placing them in fear of their physical safety. For example, last year student protestors wearing masks took over Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall academic building, which they vandalized and refused to leave as they called for the school to divest from Israel. It’s time for a comprehensive approach at the state and campus level to ensure students’ safety on campus.

👉 TAKE ACTION: Click here to urge your state's lawmakers to act now to unmask hate.

(Anti-Israel protesters at Columbia this week. Source: TheBartlett | Instagram)

~~~~~

George Mason. After a pair of alarming incidents connected to George Mason University students, pro-Israel students and faculty are asking the school to take more steps in support of Jewish students. The two incidents were the discovery that a pair of SJP-affiliated students had firearms and pro-terror materials that were discovered in a search of their residence, and the charging of another student with plotting a mass casualty attack. Evelyn Johnston, leader of a pro-Israel group at the school, said “I’m glad the administration finally took the necessary steps to ban SJP, but right now it’s an interim suspension. That suspension should be final and unequivocal.”

~~~~~

DEI Doing Enough? Following widespread anti-Israel protests, university diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs are facing scrutiny over their response to rising antisemitism. Reports from Stanford, Columbia and Penn indicate that Jewish students often feel excluded rather than protected by DEI efforts. Critics argue that DEI programs have focused on other marginalized groups while neglecting the unique challenges Jewish students face, especially amid campus tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas war. As one Jewish Pitt professor noted, DEI programs should “apply the same standards and expectations to the Jewish community as they do to other marginalized groups — namely that we be allowed to define what constitutes discrimination against our community.”

~~~~~

Harvard. Harvard University recently settled two Title VI lawsuits and adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. The settlements also extend non-discrimination protections to Zionists and ban harassment based on positions on Israel or Zionism. All of this has sparked debate and division among faculty. Supporters of the settlements see it as long-overdue progress against campus antisemitism and support for Jewish students, while critics argue that it will stifle academic freedom and free speech. Harvard’s spokesperson, trying to straddle a middle ground, wrote that “The University stands strongly for reasoned dissent and the free exchange of ideas, beliefs, and opinions.”

Teach Your Students Well. Do faculty in schools of education have a special place in potentially alleviating the antisemitic and anti-Israel anger on campus that has been flowing from both students and faculty since 10/7? Michael Feuer, a dean and professor at George Washington University, says yes, and provides pathways for professors in "teaching difficult history." He points to ways for faculty to self-examine their teaching for whether it is perpetuating indoctrination, with an eye to reducing the stream of poisonous dogma.

~~~~~

The Vermont Greenprint. Drawing from the University of Vermont’s experience with a similar complaint, Hillel Executive Director Matt Vogel highlights the tangible changes that transformed UVM’s campus climate, with an eye to other schools seeking to improve. From implementing clearer policies on antisemitism to fostering dialogue, UVM has seen a decline in antisemitic incidents. At Harvard, for example, their recent adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism and promises of transparency through annual reporting mirrors UVM’s proactive approach, offering a roadmap for meaningful change.

Jerusalemites Had Options. In a divine game of "finders keepers," archaeologists have unearthed an ancient worship site practically within earshot of the biblical First Temple in Jerusalem. This 8th-century BCE multi-room structure, complete with an altar, standing stone, and—because worship was thirsty work—oil and wine presses, was likely abandoned during a crackdown on non-Temple rituals. Researchers are thrilled, calling it a rare gem of biblical archaeology, while the Temple Mount, just a stone's throw away, might be rolling its metaphorical eyes at the competition. Seems even ancient Jerusalemites liked their worship options open—until reformers closed the door (literally).

(Worship site excavation. Source: Screengrab from Israel Antiquities Authority | YouTube)

~~~~~

Rising Role Models. On the 8th night of Chanukah, Nefesh B’Nefesh awarded the Maor Youth Prize to nine remarkable new olim (immigrants). The prize recognizes young Jews who have positively impacted their communities while navigating the aliyah process, especially during a challenging year. Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, co-founder and executive director of Nefesh B’Nefesh, praised the recipients as inspiring role models, he said “Each of these remarkable youth has not only embraced the challenges of aliyah but has risen to serve as a guiding light in their communities throughout Israel.”

🎟 Interested in Addressing Antisemitism on Campus?
Join ADL and other leading voices on March 3-4 in NYC at Never Is Now, the World's Largest Summit on Antisemitism and Hate. Engage in panels and workshops designed to equip you with tools to advocate against 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.