A new initiative has emerged to address the alarming rise of antisemitism on college campuses across the nation. A group of dedicated Jewish students, alongside Mandana Dayani, the former Chief Operating Officer of Archewell, have launched a website called Our CampUs United. This resource aims to equip Jewish students with practical tools to combat antisemitism and foster an environment where they can study without fear.
The website features valuable resources, including email templates for advocacy campaigns and guides on how to respond to troubling situations, such as when a professor singles out Jewish students or resorts to using common antisemitic stereotypes. A significant voice in this initiative is Yasmeen Ohebsion, a student who has personally experienced the challenges of being Jewish on campus. Last year, she testified before Congress about the antisemitism she encountered while studying at Tulane University.
Mandana Dayani, echoing the sentiments of many concerned individuals, expressed her heartbreak over the rising incidents of violence against Jewish students. As a member of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, she underscored the urgent need for action. “The silence surrounding this issue is inexcusable. We must never forget the consequences of dehumanization,” Dayani stated.
Yasmeen Ohebsion is passionate about ensuring fair treatment for Jewish students. She has noted the troubling double standard they face on campuses, where their rights and safety often seem secondary. “We need administrations to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, is treated with fairness and respect,” she emphasized.
Recent statistics reveal a shocking trend: over 1,400 antisemitic incidents were recorded on college campuses during the last academic year—an increase of 500% compared to previous years. Ohebsion reflected on her experiences, sharing her personal encounters with hostility. “I was chased across campus by someone shouting hateful slurs at me. It left me in tears,” she recalled, highlighting the urgent need for resources like Our CampUs United.
The situation isn’t just limited to individual cases. It reflects a broader atmosphere that has become increasingly hostile, especially since the recent conflict involving Hamas and Israel. Protests have erupted nationwide, and some of these demonstrations have turned violent, like the recent takeover at Barnard College, where students disrupted classes in protest.
In response to these escalating tensions, the Department of Justice announced a federal task force that will visit ten universities, including Harvard and NYU, to investigate allegations of insufficient protection for Jewish students. This move aims to address serious concerns about discriminatory practices within these institutions.
Ohebsion is hopeful that with the establishment of Our CampUs United, Jewish students will have a protective ally. “We want you to know that you are not alone and that this community stands with you,” she assured fellow students. The website is designed as a hub for connection, learning, and advocacy, allowing individuals to navigate the challenges they face and take pride in their Jewish identities.
The founding group of Our CampUs United includes several student leaders from notable universities such as USC, Cornell, Tulane, and MIT. Their collaboration signifies a collective effort to create change and protect Jewish students’ freedoms.
In summary, as antisemitism continues to rise on campuses, initiatives like Our CampUs United provide vital resources and support for Jewish students advocating for their rights. The message is clear: unity and action are necessary to combat hate and foster an inclusive environment. Together, these students are building a community that prioritizes equality, understanding, and respect for all, no matter their background.
