The Power of Narrative and the Power of Reporting
Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to join members of the Jewish community at Queen’s Park. This CIJA-organized Lobby Day is an opportunity for elected representatives to hear Jewish perspectives and priorities on matters facing the community in Toronto and across Ontario.
This delegation also included a number of students from our campuses who came to share their experiences, ensuring that legislators get a glimpse of what being a Jewish student is like these days. As you might expect, the stories include encounters with antisemitism and bigotry, but they also serve as an illustration of how resilient and determined Jews at universities and colleges are these days.
Many of us sit with those who have experienced antisemitism regularly enough that it’s easy to become fatigued or inured to the general point that antisemitism is a regular presence on campus. However, hearing students’ narratives has a power that the broader principle doesn’t, just as personal stories in other situations can leave their imprint on listeners.
This isn’t new. The ancient rabbis posed the question: Which is more persuasive, a general principle of Jewish law or a practical lesson from an actual example? After much discussion, they conclude that the latter is more compelling.
Those listening to students’ stories would certainly agree. Legislators heard how students wearing magen david necklaces had a professor who lectured their class about the evils of Zionism while staring directly at them, learning sessions are scheduled for Jewish holidays with no opportunity to make them up; surveys are sent out to students with a variety of options for reporting marginalized identities, but not Jewish; reporting incidents of antisemitism completely requires going to multiple offices scattered across the university; and so much more.
Sharing these stories with those in a position of power doesn’t, in and of itself, push antisemitism towards the margins of campus. It does, however, present specific, convincing illustrations of the impact antisemitism has on students and provides a basis for urging action. Moreover, it allows us to empower victims of antisemitism by giving them a platform to speak about their experiences, ensuring that they determine the best way to press for accountability and action, and providing appropriate supports and advice.
If you experience antisemitism on campus, please report it using this link. Doing us all allows us to be better advocates for Jews on campus and to keep our entire community safer.
