Mar 7, 2024

Supporting Jewish Students on Campus

A recent survey by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and Hillel International has found that just 33 percent of Jewish college students feel emotionally safe today, compared to 66 percent before the start of the Israel-Hamas War. This comes as no surprise as North American college campuses have seen an alarming rise in anti-Israel and antisemitic incidents since October 7. To support Jewish students and faculty and change the broader conversation around Israel, Federation partners The Jewish Agency for Israel and Hillel have brought dozens of young Israelis to colleges and universities across the continent through the Israel Fellows program. “By building relationships and trust, Fellows create a space where students can share their experiences and report antisemitic incidents to relevant authorities,” said Nati Szczupak, Director of The Jewish Agency Campus Israel Fellows. “An Israel Fellow functions as the friend and mentor that brings them together, providing a valuable resource for those looking to learn about, engage with and support their community and Israel.” Most recently, ADL joined in the Israel Fellows partnership to train the emissaries on antisemitism in the US, sharing relevant data, what Jew hatred looks like and what to do about it.