It has been almost a year and we are still failing at working together

October 7th, 2024, will mark the first anniversary of one of the darkest days in recent history for the Jewish people. It’s a day when 1,400 innocent lives—women, men, children, babies, and the elderly—were brutally tortured, raped, and murdered. For Jewish students and communities around the world, this will be a day of profound mourning and reflection, a time to honor the memories of those who perished in unimaginable horror.

Yet, as Jewish students prepare to mourn, Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and other antisemitic organizations are planning to turn this day into one of celebration. They have already sent out orders to their chapters across U.S. campuses to reserve prominent locations for what they are calling a “Day of Resistance.” This is not just morally wrong; it is an affront to the memory of the victims and to the values that universities should uphold.

Allowing these events to go forward without opposition would be a grave mistake. Universities that permit such activities on their campuses should be contacted by their donors, alumni, and community members to demand that this incitement to hatred be stopped. The Jewish community cannot afford to be passive or fragmented in the face of such blatant disrespect for human life and dignity. We must respond with an organized and united campaign against these events.

But it’s not enough to simply oppose these actions. We must also support those who are working tirelessly to provide a counterbalance on campus. Organizations like the Israeli American Council (IAC) and others are organizing memorial services and training days for students, focusing on civic engagement, mental resilience, and physical strength. These efforts need our full backing—both morally and financially—so they can execute their plans on as many campuses as possible.

We cannot afford to be disorganized and divided as we approach October 7th. It has been almost a year since the atrocities of last year, and we have had ample time to understand how our enemies operate. We cannot continue to work in silos, especially around such a significant and sensitive date. The Jewish community must come together, as one, to ensure that the memory of our lost brothers and sisters is honored, and that those who seek to celebrate their deaths are met with a unified and powerful response.

The stakes are too high for us to do anything less. Our silence and inaction will only embolden those who wish us harm. October 7th must be a day of remembrance and strength—a day where we show the world that the Jewish community is united, organized, and unyielding in our fight against hatred.

Aya Shechter is the Chief Programming Officer for IAC.