Jewish pride matters: why we stand today for ‘End Jew Hatred’

Today, on April 29, we celebrate Jewish pride, which symbolizes not only our pride in our Jewish identity but also the urgent need to support Jewish students on college campuses in their stand with the End Jew Hatred movement.

Recognizing the importance of this day, various local and state governments across the United States have issued proclamations in support of “End Jew Hatred Day.” In 2023, an impressive number of over 80 proclamations were issued. These proclamations serve to affirm the values of inclusivity and respect while fostering awareness about antisemitism and the need for proactive responses to hate.

I reflect on my experiences dedicating myself to capturing remarkable moments that promote love over hate by combating antisemitism through art, such as volunteering for End Jew Hatred since 2021. One such instance involved a competing company handing out free ice cream outside the Ben & Jerry’s flagship store in Times Square, conveying the message that there is no room for discrimination in light of Ben & Jerry’s stance.

This gathering aimed to spread joy and unity in the face of growing antisemitism, particularly concerning Ben & Jerry’s refusal to sell ice cream in Judea and Samaria, areas in Israel.

As I witnessed  the scooped ice cream being offered to passersby, I felt a deep sense of hope and optimism. I famously stated, “Achieving peace in the Middle East will be sweeter than any ice cream flavor,” a sentiment I felt even more strongly after the Abraham Accords were signed on September 15, 2020.

This year, I had the opportunity to meet a fellow student Michael Kaminsky from DePaul University in Chicago. He is currently suing the university for negligence in the wake of an anti-Semitic attack that occurred on campus. A suspect has now been charged with a hate crime related to the assault on two Jewish DePaul students.

“Jewish students should not have to be afraid of getting attacked on their college campuses. The US consitution makes it clear that descrimination of any kind is illegal and unjust, and it is the responsibility of institutions to uphold these standards” Kaminsky stated. “DePaul has failed me, not just as a student, but as a human being. Universities are meant to be bastions of knowledge, safety, and open dialogue; instead, they have transformed into platforms for fear, mob rule, and censorship.” Kaminsky provided insight on these troubling issues.

He emphasized, “The fight against anti-Semitism is not just a Jewish battle; it must be a collective battle for everyone who believes in justice and democracy.”

Jewish students need allies—individuals who can assist them in navigating the complexities of campus life, where hate can often manifest in subtle yet harmful ways.

The universities in the United States must adopt clearer policies on anti-Semitism to ensure that Jewish students feel safe and empowered to report grievances. This support cannot be an afterthought; it must be an integral part of campus life, by promoting active dialogue and collaboration, we can cultivate an environment where all students feel respected and valued.