The Friends of Israel, Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation, and the East Valley Jewish Community Center will present “Navigating Anti-Israel and Anti-Semitism on College Campuses,” a discussion for current and future college students, parents, and grandparents, at 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, at the East Valley JCC.
The evening will address what to look for in a school, coping with anti-Semitism on campus, and resources for support. Featured speakers include Sarah Kader, the community manager of the Anti-Defamation League of Arizona; Taylor M. Silverman, the assistant director of the Hillel Jewish Student Center at Arizona State University; and Rabbi Aviva Funke, principal of the Bureau of Jewish Education’s Hebrew High of Greater Phoenix. They will also lead discussions and breakout sessions for grandparent/parents and current/future students.
This important session will assist parents and students to discover the comfort index on college campuses for Jewish students and what adverse experiences to anticipate regarding Israel and Jewish identity. Strategies to cope with these negative experiences will be emphasized. Campus and local resources are available to assist with comfort strategies and to develop countermeasures.
A national survey of American college students by the Anti-Defamation League found the following results:
• Prior to the Oct. 7 Hamas massacre of Israelis, 67 percent of Jewish students said they felt physically safe on campus; after Oct. 7, only 46 percent felt physically safe.
• Prior to Oct. 7, 66 percent of Jewish students felt emotionally safe; after, only 33 percent felt emotionally safe.
• Prior to Oct. 7, 64 percent of Jewish students viewed their university as welcoming and supportive of Jewish students; after Oct. 7, only 44 percent of Jewish students viewed their university as welcoming and supportive.
• Prior to Oct. 7, 64 percent of Jewish students felt comfortable with others knowing they’re Jewish; after Oct. 7, only 39 percent feel comfortable with others knowing they’re Jewish.
The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required at evjcc.org/college.
The East Valley JCC is located at 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler AZ 85224.