These last few days have been an especially harrowing experience to be a Jew on campus, and I'm personally seeing things that I haven't seen before.
The atmosphere on university and graduate school campuses across North America has been characterized by unprecedented challenges. Jewish students and our staff have found themselves navigating increasingly hostile and unsafe environments amidst a wave of anti-Israel and antisemitic protests. The unchecked proliferation of these protests has not only cultivated a climate of fear but has also led to alarming instances of verbal and at times, physical assaults.
The methods employed by the organizers of these protests are extreme and reprehensible on all fronts. They blatantly ignore campus policies and regulations, depriving students of the secure academic and social environments they are entitled to. Furthermore, these actions cultivate an atmosphere of hostility and discrimination, singling out Jewish and Israeli students who are integral members of their respective campus communities.
What's happening in Israel is extremely complex and nuanced and to fully understand the context and/or to make any progress, productive conversations need to be had. While robust dialogue and debate are vital components of academic life, it's crucial to recognize that the actions witnessed here far exceed the bounds of free speech principles.
At JGO, we are unwavering in our commitment to supporting our students in every possible way, and at moments like these, we need the help of our friends like you.
We implore you to leverage your voice and relationships with school administrations to advocate for the protection of our Jewish students on campuses across North America.
Whether it's reaching out to your alma mater or the university with which you're involved, your efforts can make a huge difference in ensuring the safety and well-being of our Jewish students and community members.
Tomorrow, I'm planning on heading to campus to be there with our students.
In times of crisis such as these, our unity and collective voice carry tremendous weight. It's imperative that we demonstrate leadership and solidarity by standing up for one another. Together, we can navigate these challenges and emerge stronger. Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to our shared values.
