Rising Antisemitism Against Jewish Women on Campus
The situation at my university has continued to deteriorate, creating a hostile environment for Jewish students. What started as vague discomfort has now evolved into a pattern of explicit harassment and intimidation, especially targeted at Jewish women. The line between political criticism and outright antisemitism has become increasingly blurred, and university officials have consistently failed to take meaningful action to protect students from discrimination and hate.
In recent months, protests organized by pro-Palestinian student groups have taken on a more threatening tone, often turning personal when Jewish women are present. Last month, during a protest near the university’s entrance at the corner of Amsterdam Avenue and 116th Street, a Jewish female student was surrounded by several male protesters who shouted derogatory slurs at her, calling her a “Zionist whore” and telling her to “get out of Palestine.” Their aggression and physical proximity left her visibly shaken, but when she reported the incident to campus security, she was met with indifference. The response was that her allegations were “difficult to substantiate” and that she should “exercise caution” when attending public events. This put the responsibility for her safety squarely on her, while the university did nothing to address the perpetrators.
The harassment doesn’t stop with physical confrontations. Jewish women who speak out about antisemitism on social media often find themselves targeted by gendered slurs and violent threats. Another Jewish student, Rachel, shared how she received an onslaught of hateful messages after posting an article about antisemitism in higher education. The comments ranged from classic antisemitic stereotypes, such as calling her a “money-grubbing Jew,” to violent threats like, “You deserve to be raped by Hamas.” These kinds of messages show the convergence of antisemitism and misogyny, putting Jewish women in a uniquely vulnerable position. When Rachel reported these threats to the university, she was told there was little they could do because the messages came from anonymous sources.
This type of response sends a troubling message to Jewish women on campus: their concerns are not taken seriously, and their safety is not a priority. At a university that prides itself on fostering inclusivity, the lack of support for Jewish women facing antisemitism is profoundly disappointing. Too often, the administration frames incidents of antisemitism as “political disputes” rather than hate crimes. The same student government that has passed multiple resolutions endorsing the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement often uses inflammatory language that goes beyond criticizing Israeli policies and verges on demonizing Jewish students who support Israel. These resolutions contribute to an increasingly hostile environment on campus, where antisemitic stereotypes are not only tolerated but are implicitly encouraged by student organizations.
The connection between antisemitism and the targeting of Jewish women has deep historical roots. During the Holocaust, Jewish women were subjected to unique forms of brutality, including rape and sexual exploitation, which added an additional layer of trauma. These horrors are echoed today when Jewish women are specifically targeted for harassment and intimidation. While the forms of abuse may differ, the underlying hatred remains the same. The failure to address antisemitism in its gendered forms shows a dangerous lack of understanding of its history and consequences.
Earlier this semester, a pro-Israel event hosted on campus was disrupted by activists who forced their way inside the venue. Jewish women attending the event reported being pushed and having objects thrown at them, while speakers were drowned out by chants like “Intifada, intifada” and “There is only one solution.” The event, which was meant to promote dialogue on coexistence, quickly turned into a scene of chaos and intimidation. Despite numerous eyewitness accounts and video evidence, the university administration took no disciplinary action, citing concerns over “freedom of expression.” This lenient approach fosters a dangerous environment where hate speech and antisemitic actions are allowed to flourish under the guise of political activism.
The normalization of anti-Israel sentiment as a socially acceptable form of expression makes Jewish women feel particularly targeted. On campuses across the country, there is a growing trend where anti-Zionism often disguises itself as a critique of Israel but crosses over into explicit antisemitism. This is especially evident in the rhetoric used by some student organizations, which describe Zionism as inherently racist and accuse Jewish students who support Israel of perpetuating oppression. When Jewish students attempt to address the hostile atmosphere or report incidents of harassment, they are often dismissed or accused of trying to silence free speech.
The university’s inaction parallels broader societal trends, including the antisemitism faced by prominent public figures like Doug Emhoff, who has been the target of online hate campaigns. Emhoff, who is Jewish and the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, has been vocal about rising antisemitism in America, often speaking from his own experience. Yet even he is frequently subjected to comments questioning his integrity and accusing him of prioritizing “Zionist interests” over the country’s welfare. The fact that antisemitic attacks are not immediately condemned when directed at someone in his position shows how normalized such views have become. If someone as high-profile as Emhoff can be openly targeted, the threat faced by Jewish women on university campuses is even more acute.
The psychological impact of this hostile climate extends beyond fear and intimidation. It affects Jewish students’ academic and social experiences, with some feeling compelled to alter their behavior or appearance to avoid harassment. Many Jewish women I spoke with said they stopped wearing visible Jewish symbols, like a Star of David, out of fear of being targeted. Others reported avoiding certain classes or events due to concerns about being confronted or verbally attacked. When students feel they must hide their identity to stay safe, it is a clear sign that the administration has failed to protect them.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir once said, “We will only have peace with the Arabs when they love their children more than they hate us.” This quote resonates deeply in the current climate, where the hatred directed at Jewish students, especially women, often overshadows any meaningful dialogue. Meir’s words highlight the dangers of allowing hatred to drive discourse and actions. On our campus, the intensity of the anti-Israel rhetoric and its antisemitic undertones show a lack of regard for Jewish students as human beings who deserve respect and safety. The time for action is now, before this hatred escalates even further.
The university must implement clear policies to address antisemitism, recognizing when anti-Zionist rhetoric crosses the line into hate speech. This means taking disciplinary action against students who harass or threaten Jewish students, enforcing anti-bullying measures, and creating resources specifically designed to address the forms of discrimination Jewish women face. The consequences of failing to address these issues go beyond campus; they contribute to a broader societal acceptance of antisemitism.
For universities to live up to their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, they must take a strong stance against antisemitism and protect all students, especially those who are most vulnerable. Jewish women deserve the same level of safety and support as any other group experiencing discrimination. To allow the current situation to continue is to send the message that antisemitism is somehow less serious or less deserving of urgent attention. It is time for the university administration to not only acknowledge the problem but also take concrete steps to eliminate it. Only then can we create a truly inclusive and safe environment for all students.