This article has only been edited to comply with journalistic style and reflects the opinions of its authors.
The aftermath of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack claimed the lives of approximately 1200 individuals, predominantly civilians and mostly Israeli, has seen a concerning surge in antisemitic incidents, particularly on college campuses. Reports from the Anti-Defamation League revealed a 337% increase in such incidents over the past year, contributing to heightened insecurity among Jewish college students, with 73% reporting feeling less safe on campus than before the Oct. seven attack (ADL 2024). This surge in hostility has driven many pro-Israel students into hiding, fearing ostracism, bullying, or worse, hate crimes. At Drew University, instances of verbal and online abuse, harassment, and even celebration of the Oct. seven attack have been observed. While some expressions may be protected under freedom of speech, others have created a hostile learning environment for Zionist students and, at times, constituted incitements to violence. Antisemitic rhetoric has notably emanated from groups like Students for Justice in Palestine, which quickly gained a following on social media, propagating the idea that all Israelis are legitimate targets and endorsing Hamas’ actions as justifiable war measures (SJP Instagram Posts).
The newly revitalized Drew Israel Student Association aims to counter the silencing of pro-Israel voices on campus by providing a platform to share their perspective on the Hamas-Israel conflict. Recognizing the importance of listening to diverse viewpoints, the association seeks to foster compassion and understanding amid tensions.
Following Hamas’ invasion, where innocent lives were tragically lost and individuals were abducted into the tunnels of Gaza, where they were killed, raped, and denied basic needs (Camera On Campus, 2024), Jewish students at Drew attempted to raise awareness and show support for the victims by displaying posters of the hostages. However, these efforts were met with swift condemnation and torn down, highlighting the prevalence of antisemitism on campus. Despite the posters serving as a gesture of solidarity, demands for their removal surfaced on social media, underscoring the challenge of confronting bias and hate; “Drew Universities SJP is demanding the immediate, full-scale removal of these inaccurate, destructive, propaganda postings” (Students for Justice in Palestine, Instagram).
In response to Hamas’ aggression, the Israeli government launched a counteroffensive mission of self-defense to protect its citizens. While acknowledging the devastation caused by the conflict to both Israelis and Palestinians, it’s essential to recognize Hamas’ role in instigating the violence. Hamas, with its explicit intent to eliminate Israel and its people (The Hamas Covenant), has consistently rejected peace efforts and diverted humanitarian aid meant for Palestinians to further its militant agenda. Hamas’ goal aligns with genocide, defined as the deliberate killing of a large group with the intent to destroy them; while Israel’s actions have caused civilian casualties, they aim to dismantle Hamas, not harm innocent Palestinians, whereas Hamas explicitly aims to destroy Israel and slaughter Jewish people (like the Holocaust). Israeli Genocide and Apartheid are inaccurate statements. By disregarding these realities and focusing solely on Israel’s defensive actions, anti-Israel activists perpetuate a distorted narrative that fuels antisemitism.
In contrast, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have demonstrated a commitment to minimizing civilian casualties by employing extensive precautions and warnings before attacks. Despite the challenges of urban warfare, the IDF’s efforts to safeguard civilian lives have been commendable by military expert John Spencer, surpassing the standards set by international law. It’s crucial to acknowledge Hamas’ deliberate use of human shields and disregard for civilian safety, factors that contribute significantly to the conflict’s tragic toll. If Israel were to cease fire, Hamas would retain power over both Palestinians and Israel, perpetuating violence; therefore, instead of ceasing fire, Hamas must agree to release the hostages and stand down, as Israel’s defense is necessitated by Hamas’ attacks and kidnappings, and denying Israel’s right to exist stems from historical antisemitism.
Zionism represents the belief in the Jewish right to self-determination and existence, a fundamental aspect of Jewish identity for many (Anti-Defamation League, 2016). Attempts to delegitimize Israel and target Zionist students not only perpetuate discrimination but also contribute to the rise of antisemitic sentiments. Zionism and the support of the Jewish homeland, Israel, is a core way to express Jewish identity and when peers target students based on Zionism they are targeting their Jewish expression.
Drew University’s struggle with antisemitism is evident in various instances, including the intimidation of Jewish students and the dissemination of hateful slogans/misinformation, such as graffiti on chalkboards, in the snow, and on posters. Slogans such as “River to the sea” were seen used on multiple platforms. This term is deemed antisemitic by the U.S. government. Events like Apartheid Week and the screening of biased films further exacerbate tensions on campus, underscoring the urgent need to address the issue. The endorsement of campaigns like the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement by student organizations perpetuates discrimination and ignores the complexities of the conflict, ultimately hindering efforts toward peace and coexistence. The resolution aims to dismantle the Jewish state which is a tactic that has been used in history to delegitimize the state of Israel. (Camera On Campus 2024). Some student governments across the United States have endorsed similar resolutions, but in every case, those resolutions were publicly repudiated by their respective college presidents.
In response, the Drew Israel Student Association stands firmly against discrimination directed at Jews and Muslims alike. By dismantling misinformation and promoting dialogue through educational initiatives and cultural events, the association aims to foster understanding and combat hate on campus. Regardless of political stance, all are encouraged to engage with an open mind, with security measures in place to ensure a safe environment for all attendees.
In conclusion, addressing misinterpretations and misinformation surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict is essential to combating antisemitism. By fostering dialogue, challenging bias, and promoting understanding, universities can create inclusive environments where all students feel respected and safe. We must stand united against hate in all its forms and work toward a future of peace and coexistence.
