Combating Antisemitism on Campus: A Call to Action

Introduction to the Initiative

In a powerful move to address the growing surge of antisemitism on college campuses, a former executive from Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s organization, Archewell, has joined forces with a group of Jewish students to launch a new website aimed at fighting antisemitism. Mandana Dayani, a member of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, and Yasmeen Ohebsion, a student leader, have co-founded Our CampUs United, a platform designed to empower students with tools and resources to combat hatred and discrimination. The initiative comes at a time when antisemitic incidents on campuses have skyrocketed, with over 1,400 reported cases during the 2023-2024 academic year—a staggering 500% increase compared to the previous year.

The Vision Behind Our CampUs United

Our CampUs United is more than just a website; it is a movement. The platform offers practical tools such as email templates for organizing campaigns and scenario-based guides to help students navigate difficult situations, such as professors using antisemitic tropes or singling out Jewish students. The goal is to create a safe and inclusive environment where Jewish students can thrive without fear of harassment or discrimination. Dayani, who has been a vocal advocate for human rights, expressed her outrage at the escalating attacks on Jewish students, calling the silence from communities and peers “inexcusable.” She praised student leaders who courageously stood up against hate, calling them her “heroes.”

Personal Stories of Struggle and Resilience

Yasmeen Ohebsion, a former president of the Movement to Address Antisemitism at Tulane University, has experienced firsthand the brutality of antisemitism on campus. During her time at Tulane, she faced relentless harassment, including being chased by someone who screamed antisemitic slurs and being called derogatory names like “Nazi” and “baby killer.” Despite her efforts to address these incidents, the university initially dismissed one of the slurs as “political speech.” It wasn’t until she testified before Congress that the university issued an apology. Ohebsion also faced online harassment, where she was “consistently met with hostility.” Her experiences highlight the pervasive nature of antisemitism and the urgent need for systemic change.

The Rising Tide of Antisemitism on Campuses

The launch of Our CampUs United coincides with a worrying trend of antisemitic incidents across U.S. campuses. Just recently, masked students stormed Barnard’s Milbank Hall, assaulted a school employee, and protested the expulsion of two students who had disrupted a Columbia University class on the history of modern Israel. The protesters distributed flyers, including one depicting a boot stomping on a Star of David, a blatant act of antisemitism. In response to these alarming developments, the Department of Justice has announced the deployment of a federal task force to 10 universities, including Columbia, UCLA, and Harvard, to investigate claims that schools have failed to protect Jewish students and faculty from discrimination.

A Call for Equality and Solidarity

Ohebsion emphasized that Jewish students are not seeking special treatment but rather equal treatment and protection. “All we need is for all students to be treated fairly and equally,” she said. The launch of Our CampUs United serves as a beacon of hope for students who have been marginalized and intimidated. The platform aims to empower Jewish students to advocate for themselves and create a united front against antisemitism. Dayani, who is also a mother and activist, described the violence and coordinated attacks against Jewish students as “heartbreaking and deeply disturbing.” She called on communities worldwide to break their silence and stand in solidarity with Jewish students.

The Road Ahead: A Collective Effort to Combat Hate

Our CampUs United is not just a reaction to the surge in antisemitism; it is a proactive step toward creating a safer, more inclusive future for all students. The platform is the result of collaboration between student leaders from universities across the country, including USC, Cornell, and Harvard. Founding members like Alyssa Wallack, Amanda Silberstein, and Einav Tsach are committed to ensuring that no student has to endure the kind of harassment and fear that Ohebsion experienced. As antisemitism continues to rise, initiatives like Our CampUs United remind us of the power of collective action and the importance of standing up against hate in all its forms. The fight against antisemitism is not just a Jewish issue; it is a human rights issue that requires the attention and action of all.