College is a time of making new friends, expanding horizons, and learning how to get along with others.
For Bryan Turkel, a senior at Claremont McKenna College near Los Angeles, this week was a grim lesson in how U.S. college campuses are falling short of these ideals – especially when it comes to anti-Semitism.
photo credits: Jacob Avanzato
In three separate events this past month, vandals:
- tore the Mezuzah off Turkel's dormitory door
- pried open a window and stole the Israeli flag from his wall
- stole a replacement Mezuzah from his door
Following the first incident, the local Chabad replaced the one mezuzah with 30 mezuzahs – for the dorm rooms of every member of Turkel's AEPi chapter (the Jewish fraternity Alpha Epsilon Pi with 10,000 member students worldwide).
"The proper response to such a situation," says Rabbi Ben Packer of Jerusalem, "is to increase that same Jewish identification that the anti-Semites are trying to blot out."
Packer, the manager of Jerusalem's Heritage House youth hostel who'd become friendly with Turkel during his visit to Israel, hand-delivered an Israeli flag to replace the one torn down from Turkel's room – plus another 9 flags for the rooms of Turkel's AEPi brothers.
When the idea was raised of increasing public identification with Judaism and Israel in response to the attack – were the fraternity brothers concerned about becoming the next victims?
"My brothers were all incredibly supportive. Nobody expressed any fear of being targeted in a hate crime," Turkel told Aish.com. "We were more focused on how to provide a strong response that would send the right message on behalf of the Jewish community – the message that no threat or intimidation can stop us from proudly displaying our Jewish identity."
Related article: "Mezuzah on a Dorm Room?"
Nationwide Epidemic
Turkel's response is the exception, given that U.S. college students have become increasingly reluctant to openly display their Jewish identification. This past year has seen a disturbing rise of anti-Semitism on American college campuses:
- Swastikas were found spray-painted on the AEPi houses at Emory University and the University of Oregon.
- Jewish students at colleges including NYU, Northeastern and University of Michigan awoke to find fake eviction notices posted on their doors.
- The Student Senate president at Ohio University – in a parody of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge – doused herself in fake blood and urged students to boycott Israel whom she claimed was committing "genocide" against Palestinians.
Things have gotten so bad that the Simon Wiesenthal Center has launched a mobile app, CombatHateU, giving college students a way to immediately report incidents of anti-Semitism on campus.
Students can't be expected to confront this alone.
Turkel describes these acts as "a merging of anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism where Jews are intimidated and attacked for their support of Israel." He pointed to the propensity of anti-Israel groups such as Students for Justice in Palestine to stage "die-ins" outside of Jewish religious organizations, and still call it "anti-Zionism."
Another member of AEPi, Elliott Hamilton, pointed out that "by stealing the mezuzah, it cannot be deemed as simply anti-Zionism but rather undisputed anti-Semitism."
A leading organization supporting students to stand up against anti-Israel propaganda on campus is Aish’s Hasbara Fellowships program (www.hasbarafellowships.org). Hasbara Fellowships educates and trains students to educate their peers on campus about Israel, including how to defeat BDS motions on campus. “Since this past summer’s events in Israel and Gaza, we have seen anti-Israel activities on campus rise about 50% compared to last year,” said Hasbara Fellowships Executive Director Elliot Mathias. “It’s crucial that Jewish students have the education and training to defend and promote Israel on their campuses.”
Seeking Solutions
Signs indicate that campus anti-Semitism is reaching epidemic proportions. A comprehensive 2011 study of Religious Tolerance on Campus, which surveyed over 1,400 students in the United States, found that over 40 percent of students confirm anti-Semitism on their campus.
What steps can be taken to address this problem? Packer says that "students can't be expected to do it alone," and need more of the resources and support provided by national Jewish organizations such as Aish and Olami.
Rabbi Chananel Weiner of Aish Boston, who runs the "Aish4AEPI Israel Experience," concurs. "There have always been Jewish students on campus afraid to identify with their roots. But today it's worse because many Jewish students would like to proudly identify but simply don't know how to respond to the anti-Israel campus culture."
What is the solution?
"These students need our help," says Rabbi Weiner. "We have to engage them in meaningful Jewish experiences that empower, inspire, and educate. If we fail to intervene and provide more resources, we are at risk of losing a generation of Jewish students."
Academic Hatred
The root of the problem, many contend, is with the academics who are often at the forefront of anti-Israel activities such as the BDS boycott movement.
Turkel blames the hate environment on "a twisted interpretation of academic freedom that leads many intellectuals to defend these hateful messages, while at the same time calling for censorship of Zionist or Jewish speakers."
Hamilton points to various anti-Semitic incidents involving professors, whose actions "make life particularly uncomfortable for Jewish students," he says.
- At Kent State University, tenured professor Julio Pino refers to his students as “little Jihadists” and has been known to publicly chant, “Death to Israel.”
- American University professor Hillary Mann Leverett claimed that anti-Semitism is nonexistent in the Middle East, despite the fact that Islamic State recently called for a second Holocaust against the Jews.
- The University of Illinois recently rescinded the contract for a professor who – following the kidnapping and subsequent murder of three Jewish Israeli teenagers – tweeted his hope that all “West Bank settlers would go missing."
As student Elliott Hamilton says: "Despite an academic community that preaches liberal values of tolerance and equality, the Claremont Colleges rarely discuss violations of human rights in Muslim countries, even genocidal actions of the Islamic State. By not highlighting these violations, we accept a double standard that should have no place in a liberal arts environment."
(18) Michael, November 17, 2014 6:04 AM
Enough already !
Where does all this hate for Jews and Israel stem from. It is 2014 and you would think the hater' are all in their graves.
It really makes me ill hearing this hate is still going around and I thought the younger generation would be a more kinder generation.
I retired from Law Enforcement, both local and federal in Chicago, Our Rabbi, the police chaplian, walks on water with all L E officers; wheather Jew or Gentile. I can say I am proud of Chicago people in their quest to treat all people with respect.
May our Heavenly Father bless all Jews and the great state of Israel. I will add that may the Almighty bless the grand staff of AISH.COM for all they do for people of our world.
Dr John Crow, December 1, 2014 8:32 PM
The oldest hatred
You said you thought the young would be kinder.
I am sorry to say this, but there is a RISE in anti-Semitism (more properly Jew-hatred) all over the world, I love the jews (my wife is one) but I encountered anti-Semitism in a small town in the UK, neighbours shouting "seig heil" we have since moved. It is only going to get worse so we have to toughen up and fight back against the haters.
(17) Ruth, November 16, 2014 7:49 PM
fooling themselves
What these attackers don't realize, or don't care about, is that GOD doesn't approve of what they are doing. If it was me--I would speak out MORE about me being a Jew. Jews at collages, schools, on their jobs, & in their everyday lies--should NEVER back-down from who they are. May God be with them.
(16) Beverly Margolis-Kurtin, November 16, 2014 4:56 PM
We were warned
One of the things that caused me to "lose it" was when a certain bigot wanted to make our neighborhood a HOA. Why did she want to do that? Because the "wrong kind of people" were moving in.
I played with her as one might play with a kitten (except there was nothing cute about her). Oh yes, I've seen Hispanics, blacks and even a Jewish family!
"A JEWISH FAMILY?" Who, when, how?
It was then that I pointed to the mezuzah on the door and the Star of David that hangs in the entryway.
I then reminded her that it was 2014, the kind of thing she was trying to set up was unlawful. I told her that we'd lived her for about 20 years and this was the first time I'd had a bigot ring my doorbell and hopefully the last.
To my neighbors' credit, not a single one of the gave her more than 60 seconds and then told her to get off their door step.
She wound up moving.
I am WILD about the applications that are coming up to bolster Israel's reputation. There is one, Israel Under Fire that was created by 17 year-old high school students. Very we done.
The most encouraging thing is that despite the Jew haters, we are stil alive and going strong. Baruch Hashem!
(15) brian, November 15, 2014 10:53 PM
interesting? holocaust?
Maybe I am wrong but I thought the terrorist groups say the holocaust never happened and now they admit it did happen. By wanting another holocaust. Truth is just and righteous those who want to know the truth will listen and believe it. Those who don't will close their ears to it and follow the lies of the enemies of truth and righteousness. May G-D seal our hearts with his truth and righteousness and keep us safe in the fires to come and the battles we shall face.
(14) scott, November 15, 2014 9:56 PM
Why stay where people don't like you?
About seventy someodd years ago six million Jews were murdered in Europe and the world did nothing. Nothing to stop it and nothing to punish those responsible. Before that pogroms and expulsions and crusades and so on. What's my point? When I was in middle school there were these kids that played dungeons and dragons. I wanted to join their group. They had a vote and didn't let me join. As a six year old I was secure enough in myself to realize there was a place for me but that wasn't it. I was in school with these kids through high school and college but never in their crowd. I had my own place in life and was happy there. And they are happy in theirs. My point is that the goyish world has made it abundantly clear that they don't want us in their crowd. Doesn't make us bad. We have our own place where we can be happy. Why is it that there are so many of us that are still looking for inclusion and acceptance at the cool kids table? More importantly why are there so many of us that waste our time and talents studying and teaching and researching in their universities? If they do things hateful to us and tolerate those do ...well we do have someplace better to go. Imagine what scholarship and science and arts and business in the us would be if Jews simply moved to Israel and worked our wonders at home? Personally I think that that might be part of what would make Israel a light to the nations.
Mike, November 17, 2014 9:38 AM
Grew Up in Iowa
I wish I was fortunate enough to have had your mindset growing up in Iowa. I tried really hard, but every now and then, I was reminded of being Jewish. So, I made my own fun and pursued my passions...not so bad now, because those passions led to a great career as an engineer. And there, too, I am reminded every now and then that I don't belong; however, I have no problem seeing through it. Fortunately, many christians these days believe that Jews need to be recognized as G-d's chosen. Treat them well and good things follow....
(13) Anonymous, November 14, 2014 3:55 PM
Where is the school administration?? What are they doing to combat all predjucies on campus. I think any student that shows these tendencies (On either side) should be immediately expelled.
Also even tho there are moderate Muslims--why are 99 percent of terrorist attacts (here and abroad) carried out by Muslims???
(12) Gaby, November 13, 2014 11:43 AM
Who is funding American universities?
I feel the bottom line is that USA universities are being funded by Muslim groups. So the faculty is blind to anti-semitic rants and the students feel entitled to provoke and attack.
(11) brura, November 13, 2014 12:42 AM
Try living in Lincoln, NE
Lincoln, NE was the official home of the American Nazi party with a building and a fellow that made himself look like hitler as much as possible. I was aware of them in the 60's when I was still living at home and saw the building in 1972. If the story is true, he went to Germany to raise a riot or more and ended up getting arrested or so the story goes. All of the members, however, did not leave. Why give up lucrative jobs or positions? They are in every walk of life, lha-hud, constabularies, bus drivers, plumbers, etc. Everywhere they are they seem to think they are covert. They are NOT! They identify, qualify and quantify anytime as I, the only person in an apartment building with a menorah, books on Judaism and a peaceful and non-retaliatory lifestyle was the only one to be robbed, assaulted physically and sexually, called every name in the book, slandered, car gutted and told to shut up when I was speaking to someone else and so much more. Oh yes, I.D. theft that has almost made me appear dead on paper anyway. That could have been stopped but one police sergeant would not help me get a subpoena. I must not forget, they also work in banks because I never got my stolen money back. The bank kept it. So much for F.D.I. C. and the banking commission. OY! I know first hand how all of this is done and achieved. Oh, lest I forget... the pseudo-medical community where "but first do harm" should be on the curriculum vitae almost across the board. One should not be at risk of physical attacks at a clinic or hospital but it has happened and to me, so I know for sure that this goes on all the time to others as well for, perhaps, other reasons. I know that I am and will continue to be tested and I am to learn from all of this but this is horrific. . Rashaim exist everywhere and the individual and collective response that is best is self protection, not losing our values and SURVIVING.
(10) Barry, November 13, 2014 12:35 AM
Anti Semitism is not cool or funny coming ffrom College Students
It shows a trend moving across the U.S. and European colleges and college-age kids. It is serious because they can make life miserable for an entire generation of college students.
They must be fought one on one and shown that Jews are not the sheep that Hitler piled into trains and dehumanized while taking their lives at Concentratiion Camps.
All American Jews must show pride in being Jewish and loving Israel. We are not guilty of anything. Israel must defend its people.
Thousands of rockets were blasted at Israel during the Gaza conflict so Israel had to act.
These college Jihadists have found something new to protest. They can continue or be put in their place by the anti Semetic Professors and staff who stoke their flames of hatred instead.
They are wrong and need to be told the other side of the story (also called the TRUTH). Interventiion is necessary. They need to be told they are wrong and just playing in to the media and jihadists who simply want to destroy the wonderful State of Israel.
They have found a niche to spread anti-Semitism and that is college campuses and the news media. We must fight as if Jewish life in America is at stake because eventually it will be. We will all be harrassed for being Jews in America and who knows where this will lead. Educaing the masses is necessary. When the truth is out in the open and shows how Islamists are using lies to hate Jews our battle will begiin.
(9) erin, November 13, 2014 12:33 AM
stop going to school. there.
Stop going to school there if you are attacked. There are plenty of other good schools who will take care of you like they take care of all the other students who attend there, love yourself enough to go somewhere else. This is not God's plan for you~ to take abuse. Stop paying them money, whether it is a school, or a business- same thing, if they are not going to treat you fairly.Stop going to school there if they take this kind of care of you.
(8) Anthony, November 12, 2014 12:59 PM
Do the same
I think if you paint the Star of David on the walls and dorms of those antisemits, that will help curb the bahaviour.
Eye for an eye...!
(7) Anna, November 12, 2014 7:26 AM
This isn't much of an issue here in New Zealand, thank goodness. I suppose, though, that it's better to be the one who's on the receiving end than one of the brainless bigots doing it. One can almost pity these fools for being so closed-minded at an age when one should be as open-minded as one will ever be, University is where one learns to think, not keep one's mind closed. If these fools have minds, How do they get into a university in the first place ? Aren't you glad you're not one of them ???
Mike, November 12, 2014 1:45 PM
surprising
I thought New Zealand was very anti-Israel...
The people get into university because they are not actually low-IQ, but they are smart enough. They're just plain evil and hate the Jews even more because their mere existence reminds them of who they really are.
It's not about education and about truth. They do not want the truth, all they want is recognition and possibly some arguments that they can use to malign Israel/the Jews and make it "appear" like they mean well and to rationalize their hatred for the Jews and the principles of the Jews.
I do not pity those people and I am not happy for anything. They themselves know that Judaism/Jews are superior to them. But that won't really help because they are dangerous people who in the end would be happy for another Holocaust if they feel that they have the chance to participate. Being morally superior does not help in that respect but we as Jews have to see how we realistically deal with those evil people. You are right that whatever education they have received so far has not kept them from this evil. The Nazi officials who decided on the final solution were highly educated. Many of them had PhDs. It's not a matter of intelligence or formal education.I don't see any benefit in suffering and it's actually against the Torah to expose oneself to danger unnecessarily. We are also commanded to take care of ourselves very well. וּשְׁמֹר נַפְשְׁךָ מְאֹד Guard your souls diligently
We can laugh about those people, make fun of them, but in the end we have to be careful if we are not sticking our heads in the sand.Being a victim has never helped, only assisted those people with their evil plans.
It's not a Jewish concept and we won't receive credit for it from God.
don't see anything positive coming out of this. Only destruction and the exact opposite of what a Jew is supposed to do and to be in this world
I'm glad for making Aliya to Israel and I hope to see you here soon as well.
(6) Ann Canada, November 12, 2014 2:51 AM
A Mezuzah in every doorway!
An excellent article, thank you! Today, while riding in a Jewish neighbourhood I've travelled for many years, I finally saw two front doorways with mezuzahs. I cannot tell you the joy I felt seeing them. Definitely, things are looking up in that neighbourhood--as they are every time someone blesses a dorm doorway.
(5) Ephraim Ponce, November 12, 2014 12:15 AM
The obvious
All of this proves is that there are true Antisemites in the US, and on campus. Hitler would have never succeeded without strong support from the population. The same here. Jew hatred (often masquerading as Israel hatred, although they go hand-in-hand) would never get this big if the feelings were not already there. The terrorists who are allowed to infest the US, and US campuses, often at US expense, are merely mining a vein of bigotry which already existed.
As for Europe, 2,000 years of deeply held Jew hatred does not disappear in a couple of generations. After the Shoah, it was largely pushed underground, but it was still taught in the homes and tolerated in schools. Now, the excuse these bigots have prayed for has become reality. 'Criticizing Israel does not make us Antisemites.' True, except the Israel haters are virulent, violent, and totally without reason. And, as noted, a hatred of Israel alone would not prompt Mezuzot to be stolen.
The academic community, as well as the lame stream press and, of course, the message from our terrorist-in-chief trickling down, has made Jew hatred a core value. To be an accepted follower of politically-coerced censorship, means that Jew hatred does not qualify as hate.
(4) Anonymous, November 11, 2014 5:13 PM
University of Oregon
When I lived in Oregon in the 1980's I was told that Oregon had the longest number of Klu Klux Klan members west of the Mississippi.
(3) Rachel, November 11, 2014 4:48 PM
Hypocrisy
These days universities issue "trigger warnings" for classes that might offend liberal students' "sensitivities", and free speech is being stamped out, but colleges refuse to face the ugliness of anti-semitism honestly or courageously.
(2) scott, November 10, 2014 2:49 PM
you have to live with your choices.
Theres one easy way to make sure no one steals you mezuzah or abuses you for being Jewish. Make aliyah. There are about seven million Jews in diaspora and several billion of the other guys. You really think yiddishkeit will prevail? Maybe eighty years ago there was some sort of need to fight for a place among the goyim. There wasn't an Israel. Now its just jews who find it inconvenient to make aliyah complaining that their goyish neighbors arent accomodating enough. Its pretty simple. They don't like you because you are Jewish and no matter how much you try and assimilate that will never change. Which isn't a bad thing. I don't always enjoy goyish culture. But in Israel I don't have to put up with it too much. You see hashem gave you this country where you can live among your own people without worrying about being persecuted by goyim. No ones gonna get your mezuzah in Kfar Saba. If you choose to live elsewhere life's gonna be tough. Live with your choices and stop complaining. If you want a better life there's a plane ticket waiting for you at your local shleach's office.
Barry, November 11, 2014 5:31 PM
I agree
Hashem wants all Jews to return to Israel that is why Jews are having a very difficult time in Europe and the United States. It will only get much worse at time goes by until all Jews realize that there only salivation is through Torah and Hashem not the rest of the world.
Jerry Meents, November 11, 2014 7:02 PM
Go to Israel
I agree with Barry en if Hashem don't exist. Where was he in WWII?, when somany went tru hell and he did not stik one finger uit to stop it. An writing on een wal in Mauthausen sombody scraced in the brick " If there is a God, he will have to beg for my forgiveness"
Anonymous, November 12, 2014 2:25 PM
but couldn't you also ask: where was man during the Holocaust?
And for what reason on earth did the Jews not make Aliyah to Eretz Israel when it was actually possible (but uncomfortable)?
Weren't there people in Germany/Galus as well who were clinging to things like money,prestige,convenience,recognition of the goyim or simply an easier life?
The truth is, we don't understand God. What's interesting about the -truly interesting- quote " If there is a God, he will have to beg for my forgiveness"
The person who wrote it, even in hell on earth, still wasn't convinced that God doesn't exist!
I find that incredible.
Also, how do you know that this person didn't have doubts in God even before the Holocaust due to the claims of the assimilationalists.
(by the way, do you know that the Reform movement when it came into being by their own admission tried to legitimate themselves with social arguments (since it was "impossible" to be a religious Jew in the modern world) rather than actually religious arguments?)
Still this person, even in hell on earth wasn't persuaded.
One could also ask: why didn't the Jews defend themselves, why did they allow themselves from 1933-1941 to be deluded (including the Jews in the United States)?
Still, why has every effort of Jewish self-defense during the Holocaust have tremendous success?
Why did the State of Israel win war after war against all odds and doesn't that require an explanation as well?
I do think that God exists and our ancestors never doubted the existance of God. It is difficult to remain strong but it is our job to be strong and couragous.
Mike, November 11, 2014 9:08 PM
totally agree
The truly proper response is to make Aliyah, to the place where all the Jews belong and will end up eventually anyway.
I fully agree with what you wrote.
I would just add that in Israel you can wear a kippah if you wish to do so and you won't stand out for it.
Colleges and universities are not what they once were (is this a result of the government subsidizing so much? A business would probably close down with this kind of quality (unless it was subsidized..)
They are expensive, too.
If you go to a university in Israel, like Bar-Ilan university, tuition would be pennies compared to an American university and the standard is high. If you make Aliyah, you will even get a scholarship room and board money for further expenses. Couldn't ask for more...
This could be a real alternative.
Anonymous, November 11, 2014 9:17 PM
not everyone can do that
I disagree that that is the only solution to the problem. People cannot just quit their schooling/jobs/family etc. To go to israel just like that. I was in israel for a year and blew money faster than i drank water. Its very expensive and difficult for non israelis to just pick up and make aliyah.
I dont believe god scattered us to all over the world and the end goal for the jews is that everyone should move back to israel and then the messiah comes. He scattered us bec were in exile and this is a part of the pain. The non ability for people to just pick up and move there. I have immense respect for all jews living in israel and hope to one day make that dream into a reality but i dont think that its not feasible for everyone and nor is it the solution to this problem
Anonymous, November 12, 2014 2:03 PM
I know from my own experiences that living in Israel is very expensive, especially if you are not already settled here. It is a great challenge. It surely required a big effort (and money) to live in Israel for the time you spent in Israel. (again, I know this from my own experience). Kol HaKavod for making the effort and for trying. The Rabbis say that even walking four amot in the Land of Israel has a tremendous effect on a person. You surely did try to live here. I have the deepest respect for your efforts.
I hope that one day you will be able to come to Israel again.
Maybe you can help your children in a way that they will not have the same bounds to the diaspora. Have them go to Israel, to Bar-Ilan University. You will also save a lot of tuition.
God certainly expects us to live according to the Torah and part of the Torah is the commandment to live in Eretz Israel.
The prophets also tell us precisely that, that there will be a mass-gathering of Jews from all the world.
Pain can have its purpose. The question is, what do you make of it.
If there is a commandment to move to/live in Israel, could this pain not be related to it?
God also wants us to keep mizvot. But do we wait for God to practically force us to keep mitzvot so we can keep them?
I have the deepest respect for your efforts.
Let's all keep Shabbat and may Meshiach come soon.
Anonymous, November 11, 2014 9:28 PM
Wow. That's a incredibly compassionate response that honors the fact that HaShem places each person, in his place as part of His Divine plan. That when Moshiach comes, all the world will be as like Israel, and Jews EVERYWHERE will be a light unto the nations....not just Jews in Israel.
deanna, November 12, 2014 12:42 AM
making aliyah
I totally agree with you. To be amongst your own people is wonderful. I live in the UK and, as a moderate Jew and not looking particularly Jewish I do not have that much of a problem. I always wear my Star of David and make no secret of my identity. However, I can see what is going on around me and it is not good. My love for Israel is like having a child. You love it unconditionally. My biggest fear now is that it is being attacked from within. Israeli Arabs are now rebelling and how long will it be before they start tearing mezzuzahs down from doors? It is treating families of terrorists and I just wonder if they need to take a harder line and evict the Arabs who live within its walls.
(1) TMay, November 10, 2014 12:47 AM
Amcha Initiative
Don't forget to contact Amcha Initiative, especially about activity on campuses of University of California and California universities. Amcha is on the internet and on Facebook. Also sign up for email updates, and sign up to like /follow it on Facebook. Visit the pages. Be sure to read "About" on the Amcha Initiative page, about the two co-founders from Santa Cruz, CA, Tammi Rossman - Benjamin and Leila Beckwith. Tammi Rossman- Benjamin no longer lectures at UCSC, you can guess why.
Ra'anan, November 11, 2014 7:55 PM
Tmay, WOW! I've never heard of Amcha (except as...
a Yiddish expression to i.d. MOTs). You guys are doing REALLY important work by providing a physical map & lists of WHO & WHERE acts of anti-Semitism, including BDS support, are occurring! Please speak up & tell people what you guys are doing!