November 3, 2023
19 Cheshvan 5784
Dear TBJ Family,
While the war in Israel continues in our Homeland, there is an alarming, unprecedented, and violent influx of antisemitism here at home.
As you have likely seen in the news and online, this is reaching an inflection point on college campuses, in particular. Student groups and administrations on many campuses have not only condoned but in some cases glorified the atrocities of Hamas’ terrorism while at the same time, creating a hostile environment for Jewish and Israeli students.
We are all connected in one manner or another to these campuses—whether we have loved ones studying there or they are our own alma mater— and we all have a responsibility to speak up for Jewish students on campus during this harrowing time.
Here are a few concrete ways to help: 1. This week, the U.S. Senate and House passed a resolution condemning antisemitism on campuses, but we still need to advocate for continued efforts to better protect Jewish students on campus at all levels of government and school administration.
- Click here for an easy action step through the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) to write to the U.S. Secretary of Education.
- Click here to find the university with which you are affiliated and email the administration to urge them to take action to protect the safety and wellbeing of Jewish students on campus.
2. Hillel professionals are supporting Jewish students around the clock as they navigate the campus climate. Reach out to say thank you and express appreciation to Hillel, or any other Jewish organization on campus that serves Jewish students.
Click here to locate the Hillel associated with a particular campus or university.
3. If you are looking for a way to financially support Jewish college students in addition to Hillel,
click here to learn more about Israel on Campus Coalition, an organization which trains and develops pro-Israel leaders across the globe and is one of the leading organizations on the digital war on words.
Additionally, if your child is currently a college student, we hope you will share their contact information with us by
filling out this form, so we can support them, check in with them and offer them resources as they navigate this complicated landscape.
In solidarity, and with prayers for peace,
Rabbi Matthew D. Gewirtz
Rabbi Karen Glazer Perolman
Rabbi Leah H. Sternberg
Cantor Lucy B. Fishbein
Cantor Howard M. Stahl
Marc Rothstein, Executive Director
Karen Feldman, President
