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Bowdoin. Yesterday, we noted in the Campus Crisis Alert that Bowdoin College warned students in an anti-Israel encampment inside the school's Smith Union building that they faced discipline. University President Safa Zaki said that the demonstration made some members of the campus community feel "unwelcome, intimidated and unsafe." The remaining students in the encampment were placed on "immediate temporary suspension"
yesterday and then last night, the protesting students finally left the building. A school representative said that “the demonstration repeatedly violated policies within Bowdoin’s Code of Community Standards and the participating students have entered the College’s disciplinary process.”
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Students gather outside Smith Union during the anti-Israel encampment. (Source: Janet Briggs/Bowdoin Orient) |
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New York State. A new package of proposed bills
in New York State have a joint goal of making it easier to sue colleges and universities that do not adequately respond to discriminatory harassment, and to ensure that schools are in compliance with Title VI of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964. The first bill in this set has been named the ACCESS Act and pushes schools to be more proactive in responding to antisemitism and other forms of discrimination. ADL backs the bills, and our NYNJ regional director Scott Richman emphasized that “it is critical that we have appropriate measures in place to ensure that no student feels unsafe due to their identity.”
DEEPER: This new legislation joins other ADL-supported bills including #UnMaskHateNY that will help fight antisemitism and hate in the state of New York.
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Maine. The University of Maine System Board of Trustees (BoT) has reaffirmed its decision
not to divest from Israel, despite continued pressure from student activists, led by Jewish Voices for Peace (JVP). The anti-Israel group plans a rally on March 7 and has expressed frustration with the board’s stance. The BoT position remains unchanged since their decision in December, when Chair Trish Riley stated: “There was consensus among our committee that to take a position on your demands would effectively shut down opportunities for conversation — including about the horrors of the conflict in the Middle East and elsewhere — and in doing so, undermine our educational mission.”
DEEPER: A report by ADL affiliate JLens estimates that universities could lose billions in future returns on their endowments if they capitulate to BDS initiatives.
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Michigan State. Last week, at Michigan State University’s (MSU) board meeting, anti-Israel protestors disrupted proceedings and demanded divestment
from Israel. After shouts and even a song by some of the protesters, there was a standoff before a compromise was reached where the protestors would allow the meeting to continue and MSU conceded to a later meeting on investment concerns. The protestors were led by students who were previously arrested for sit-in protests on campus. While some of the trustees engaged with the protesters, others left the room and only returned once the meeting started again.
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(Source: Finn Gomez | The State News) |
TAKE ACTION: From elementary schools to college quads, Jewish students are confronted by anti-Israel action and other forms of hate. Teaching the next generation about the Holocaust helps address antisemitism. Tell Congress to improve holocaust education by voting for the HEAL Act. Speak out now.
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Windsor (Canada). In 2024, an anti-Israel encampment at the University of Windsor
led to an agreement with the administration to divest from companies linked to Israel and boycott Israeli academic institutions. This concession sparked controversy and a lawsuit from the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), who argued it was discriminatory and fueled antisemitism. There have also been BDS movements at other Canadian universities, where student unions have passed BDS motions. While university administrations generally oppose BDS, citing academic freedom, the movement has created a hostile environment for some Jewish students, who report feeling marginalized and unsafe. | |
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Schmear Campaign. Like other Hillels across the country, Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach recently hosted a campus “Spread Cream Cheese Not Hate”
campaign to combat antisemitism. The event at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) offered students a bagel and cream cheese in exchange for signing a pledge against hate and antisemitism, and received over 900 signatures. One of the student leaders, Hillel volunteer Danielle Cohen said “I stand against antisemitism. I really cherish our community, and I want to make my voice known.” Together with Hillel, groups like Owls 4 Israel are helping fights antisemitism at FAU. Owls 4 Israel president, Eden Hevron said, “it’s kind of this nice and wide campaign to combat antisemitism and take a stance against University antisemitism.”
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Fighting Spirit. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Jewish students
and recent graduates in Washington, D.C. to address the surge of antisemitism on college campuses. “You’ve gotta fight. If you fight, you’ll be respected,” Netanyahu told students from universities including Harvard, Georgetown and Penn. The meeting aimed to offer solidarity and support during this challenging time. Students shared stories of harassment and troubling events. “He genuinely listened, cared and wants something done,” said Julia Wax Vanderwiel, a student leader. Netanyahu’s visit concluded a week of meetings with U.S. officials to collaborate on strategies to combat antisemitism. | |
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A Blessed Backpack. A new innovation by Israel’s Military Rabbinate was unveiled this week: a backpack that carries a Torah scroll
and transforms into a bimah (a podium for prayer) for those times when Israeli soldiers are in the field and wish to read torah to pray and celebrate. This new gear will replace less portable and waterproof options. As Col. Rabbi Shoham Orkabi pointed out, “When it comes to transporting a Torah scroll, an ark is necessary to prevent damage from humidity.”
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The new backpack ark. (Source: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit) |
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Israeli Grammy Gold. Mazel Tov to Israeli musician Dan Pugach, who snagged a Grammy for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album with "Bianca Reimagined," a tribute to his late rescue dog. His wife, Nicole Zuraitis, and fellow Israeli musicians joined him onstage for the win. Pugach, who served in the Israel Air Force band, noted that the tensions that have spiked since 10/7 have “brought my Israeli identity closer to my heart.” | |
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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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