Perseverance Pays Off in the Fight Against Antisemitism

With the reinstatement of a pro-Israel student organization at Duke University, this week demonstrated the fruits of perseverance in the fight against antisemitism.

History has shown that standing up for the Jewish people may not always be easy, but it is the moral and just path.

Here is a sampling of what CAM coalition members were up to this week:

Partner Achievements

Students Supporting Israel (SSI) — At the start of the fall semester, the student government at Duke University refused to recognize the SSI campus chapter as an official organization. On Wednesday night, however, the decision was unanimously reversed.

Congratulations to the SSI team, students, and supporters for helping make this happen!

We are now happy to inform you that almost four months after the veto of our club, tonight the Duke Student Government did the right thing and unanimously approved SSI to be officially registered on campus again, like it should have been from the very beginning.

— SSI Movement (@SSI_Movement) February 24, 2022

“Never Again” Association — Executive Director Rafal Pankowski commemorated the 100th anniversary of Polish “Righteous Among the Nations” Wladyslaw Bartoszewski’s birth by participating in the “Rally of Decency” in his honor.

Voice of Salam — Founder Elizabeth Arif-Fear participated in a panel discussion on how to strengthen Jewish-Muslim relations in the UK and confront Islamist antisemitism.

Don’t miss out on today’s event as we discuss how to tackle Islamist antisemitism and strengthen Muslim-Jewish relations in the UK with Dr@rakibehsan, @WasiqUK, @Voice_of_Salam & @MAAS_UK

To join us live at 17:00, register now at the link below:https://t.co/7Tbg5mqk02 pic.twitter.com/l1hC7IWd2h

— Henry Jackson Society (@HJS_Org) February 22, 2022

Upcoming Events

Ride for the Living — After two years, the annual bicycle ride from the gates of Auschwitz to JCC Krakow, commemorating the Holocaust and celebrating Jewish rebirth, is officially back IN PERSON!

Learn more and sign up here.

Campaigns to Support

A Wider Bridge — This week, the Virtual Student Leadership Mission to Israel was launched for all interested college students, which will include interactive workshops, small group discussions, and more!

Learn more and sign up here.

Humanity in Action Poland — Calling all educators and teachers based in Germany and Poland! This summer, participate in a training that will discuss important topics including antisemitism, racism, discrimination, and hatred towards the LGBTQ+ community. Preparatory and subsequent workshops are also included.

Read more and apply here.

Philos Project: All Christians are invited to join the Philos Action League against antisemitism and sign the #WeResolve pledge.

When antisemitic graffiti was spray-painted outside Israeli restaurant Miriam, we showed up to let our Jewish neighbors know they are not alone.

Join the Philos Action League and stand with us against antisemitism: https://t.co/k4og4c1PH6 pic.twitter.com/Hv1z6wMD92

— The Philos Project (@philosproject) February 19, 2022

Coalition Building

Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) fraternity — Executive Director Emeritus Andrew Borans and Executive Director of the Tannenbaum Chabad House – Northwestern Jewish Center Rabbi Dov Hillel Klein visited the CAM office in Tel Aviv this week to discuss antisemitism on campus and how to better support Jewish students.

Antisemitism has only grown more pervasive at universities worldwide in recent years.

Today, we met with leaders of @AEPi, the largest Jewish fraternity, to discuss the fight against Jew-hatred on campus, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing Jewish students. pic.twitter.com/JvweNus60Q

— Combat Antisemitism Movement (@CombatASemitism) February 21, 2022

Recommended Reading and Viewing

Genesis 123 Foundation — In a Jerusalem Post op-ed, Genesis 123 Foundation President Jonathan Feldstein calls on Christians to denounce antisemitism and view Jews as allies, not enemies.

Read more here.

International March of the Living — Watch a conversation with Rich Brownstein, author of Holocaust Cinema Complete, a teaching guide on Holocaust films, in which he shares his vision for how to best incorporate films into Holocaust education.

Watch here.

Scholars for Peace in the Middle East (SPME) — SPME Executive Director Asaf Romirowsky writes, “Soft-pedaling antisemitism will only ensure it grows. Our leaders around the world have the same obligation to fight and condemn racism in all its forms, including antisemitism.”

Read more here.