Jewish Students in NYC Speak Out Against Antisemitism: 'Feeling Threatened' on Campus & Beyond

Jewish Students Speak Out Against Antisemitism in NYC: 'Feeling Threatened' on Campus & Beyond

Jewish students in New York City are expressing concern about the rise of antisemitism, particularly on college campuses, in the wake of the October 7th anniversary of the Hamas attacks on Israel.

Sam, a student at New York University (NYU), shared his experience of feeling surrounded by anti-Israel protesters at Washington Square Park. While he and his friends were unharmed, they were subjected to chants calling for Israeli citizens to "go back home" and were criticized for singing Hebrew hymns.

Sam also mentioned experiencing antisemitism outside the classroom, saying, "That doesn’t reflect 100 feet out of the classroom up to the park or when I’m walking. If I have any Jewish symbols on – on Friday nights I wear a Kippah. I’m yelled at. Sometimes, people will make rude comments to me in passing."

Racheli, a student at the University of Pittsburgh, traveled to New York City to show support for Jewish students facing antisemitism. She emphasized the importance of community and learning in college but noted that these values are often threatened by antisemitism. Racheli shared the heartbreaking experience of losing two elementary school classmates in the Nova Music Festival terrorist attack, adding, "The only thing that Israel has ever done is protect its people, and they have the right to exist, and we want to exist in peace with all around us."

Sam described October 7th as the most "tragic" attack against Jewish people since the Holocaust, saying, "October 6 was the last night we went to sleep with a full heart. Since then, it’s been devastation. It’s been every day, constant tragedy."

The 2023 Hamas attacks resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people in Israel, making it the worst day of violence against Jews since the Holocaust. Hundreds of hostages were also taken, with fewer than 70 believed to still be alive.

These stories highlight the ongoing struggle against antisemitism and the importance of supporting Jewish students and communities facing threats to their safety and security.