B’nai B’rith essay winner
A tertiary student has won B’nai B’rith NSW “None Shall be Afraid” Essay Competition.
The prizewinner with Alex Ryvchin
She was announced yesterday at the B’nai B’rith NSW AGM by Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of ECAJ, who addressed B’nai B’rith members.
The winner requested that her name be withheld.
The unedited prize-winning essay:
Growing up, when I left for school every morning, my dad would say, “Have a good day!” orx“Have fun!” filled with encouragement and joy.
But these days, whenever I head out for university, his parting words are always, “Be careful today”, often followed by “Be vigilant,
stay alert”. These words, once symbols of carefree days of learning, now carry a weight of fear and concern. They reflect the alarming shift in our society, where Jewish students like me navigate campuses under the shadow of growing antisemitism and anti-Zionism. This stark contrast between my childhood and my present experience isn’t unique; it echoes the anxiety felt by many Jewish students across universities worldwide.
Institutions of higher learning must confront this urgent reality with unwavering commitment, ensuring the safety and inclusion of Jewish students through regulated protest activities and the promotion of balanced, respectful dialogue. By implementing proactive, clearly defined policies and positioning educators as impartial facilitators of discourse, universities can foster a campus environment where Jewish students feel safe, valued and respected.
Comprehensive Policies and Definitions
Universities must adopt comprehensive policies, starting with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. This definition is crucial as it acknowledges that anti-Zionist behaviours – such as denying Jewish people’s right to self-determination or singling out Israel in ways that suggest inherent malice – can create hostile environments that deeply impact Jewish students’ sense of safety and belonging on campus.
However, policies alone are not enough. Strong enforcement is vital to reassure students that their safety is a priority. Too often, inconsistent application of these policies exacerbates student’s vulnerability. A Jewish student’s report of antisemitic incidents, for instance, should be met with immediate action to underscore the university’s commitment to a safe environment for all.
Promoting Balanced Dialogue
The role of faculty in shaping campus discourse cannot be understated. Educators must be trained to recognise the challenges Jewish students face and create an environment where they feel respected. Some faculty members, perhaps unintentionally, contribute to a hostile environment by supporting or excusing certain actions – like granting exemptions to attend anti-Zionist rallies – that alienate and disadvantage Jewish students.
Faculty training should emphasise the importance of neutrality, ensuring classrooms remain safe spaces for all students. My experience in lecture halls has shown me the toll it takes to constantly be on guard and anticipate bias or hostility. Teachers and faculty need to model unbiased, inclusive discussions on complex issues, signalising to students that all perspectives will be valued and respected.
Regulating Protest Activities
When campus protest activities target Jewish students specifically, the university must intervene to prevent these demonstrations from fostering fear and intimidation. Calls for Israel’s destruction and endorsements of terror organisations and extremist ideologies transcend political discourse; they pose existential threats to Jewish students like me. I’m increasingly hesitant to walk around campus alone, my eyes scanning for protest gatherings where individuals stand draped in keffiyehs and shouting slogans like “Say it loud and clear, we don’t want no Zionists here”. These words resonate with a frightening message that Jewish students don’t belong – that people like me are unwelcome in these spaces.
The fear runs deep because these are not abstract slogans; they call for the exclusion of people based on an identity that is intrinsic to who they are. Each time I pass by, I feel like a target, acutely aware that my presence might be noticed and challenged. Students like me often lower their heads and avoid eye contact, not just to avoid the inconvenience of engagement but to avoid the confrontation and the implicit threat embedded in their words.
Universities must establish clear guidelines for protest activities to prevent events from becoming breeding grounds for fear, hostility and intimidation. Allowing such protests on campus under the guise of free speech without boundaries undermines the institution’s duty to provide a safe environment for all. Universities must find the balance between supporting free expression and ensuring that all students, including those who are Jewish, do not feel targeted or endangered.
Conclusion
Hence, Universities must prioritise student safety and inclusivity by regulating campus activities and promoting unbiased discourse. By upholding comprehensive policies and equipping educators to foster balanced dialogue, institutions can ensure that Jewish students no longer navigate their campuses in fear. Only through these decisive actions can universities transform, allowing Jewish students to move through campus with the same sense of ease and assurance we once felt in school – when parting words from loved ones were simple wishes for a good day, not urgent reminders to stay safe in a space that’s meant for learning.
