On January 22, Hadassah hosted "The Scourge of Antisemitism: How Can We Counter Hate in Education," led by Hadassah National President Carol Ann Schwartz and opened by Hadassah National Antisemitism Chair Rita Shapiro. The panel featured experts Dr. Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath, author of #antisemitism Coming of Age During the Resurgence of Hate and senior director of knowledge, ideas and learning at the Jewish Education Project; Tina Malka, director of antisemitism education, Israel Action and Addressing Antisemitism Program at Hillel International; and Elizabeth Cullen, government relations director of Hadassah.
Panelists gave critical insight into the current environment of antisemitism on college campuses and how members can take action to fight hatred against the Jewish community and ensure the safety and well-being of their loved ones on college campuses.
“The negative impact of these attacks on our young people, on our children and on our grandchildren is immense," said Schwartz. "Not only do they face the possibility of being put in real-time physical danger, but the mental toll they endure because of antisemitism on college campuses is extensive and dangerous. Now is the time to work in new ways to help young people in particular stand up to antisemitism and proudly declare their Judaism and Zionism.”
“Talk about your Jewish identity with them on a regular basis, why you are prioritizing spending your time involved, engaged, actively volunteering on behalf of Am Yisrael, on behalf of the Jewish people…” said Dr. Vinokor-Meinrath. “So, give them a space to be able to have conversations as early as possible.”
Antisemitic incidents have increased exponentially since the beginning of the war in Israel, especially on college campuses. In the 2023-2024 school year, 73 percent of Jewish college students experienced or saw antisemitism on their campus, with only 46 percent feeling physically safe on campus since October 7.
When asked how to create safe spaces and encourage young people to take pride in their Jewish and Zionist identities, Malka shared insight into how her work has evolved since October 7: "I know that the atmosphere on campus has been difficult. It’s been hard for students… We have lots and lots of opportunities for Jewish students to be leaders… Because at the end of the day, all Jewish organizations, like Hadassah and Hillel, we’re turning back towards the fact that we are a resilient, strong Jewish community. We are leaders in our Jewish community. And Hillel provides an opportunity for Jewish students to take on those roles, to be leaders in the community.”
When asked what more Hadassah can do to help fight antisemitism in all its forms, Cullen highlighted the importance of making your voice heard to your local, state and federal legislators, urging them to support funding for programs to fight antisemitism and legislation to combat hate against the Jewish community.
“There’s really nothing more important in advocacy than building relationships with your elected officials…” said Cullen. “And when you meet with them, it’s just so critical to tell them what is going on in your schools, in your communities, and what you’re seeing. The stories are going to be the things that resonate with them in the future. They won’t forget the story.”
Hadassah members have worked tirelessly before and since the war began to combat the rising tide of antisemitism in their communities, on college campuses and nationwide. Our fight to protect our communities and stamp out hatred and bigotry is not over, though. Join Hadassah and urge Congress to take immediate action by adding funds for programs that fight antisemitism now!