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Jewish Campus Advocacy : Why and How
For many students , college is not just a place for academic inquiry and professional training . Students arrive on campus seeking the opportunity — often for the first time — to explore their own identities , choose and shape their own communities , encounter and debate differences , and build lasting friendships .
In many ways , the opportunities for Jewish students have never been greater . Many universities boast vibrant Hillel and Chabad houses , and host multiple Jewish studies professors and courses . The “ quota system ” that restricted the number of Jewish students at some of the country ’ s top universities decades ago has fallen away . Most colleges affirm a strong commitment to cultural tolerance and ethnic pluralism .
And yet , the current climate on college campuses can sometimes be unfriendly , or downright hostile , to Jewish students , especially with respect to Jewish students ’ connection to Israel . Some students and faculty will have misguided or ill-informed views of Israel . They may see campus organizations and clubs as useful institutions for promoting condemnation of Israel ; some may even say antisemitic things or invite antisemitic speakers . That is not as it should be , and AJC is committed to ensuring that you are able to bring your full self , including your Jewish and pro-Israel identity , to life on campus .
But challenges can often be opportunities . Attacks on parts of your Jewish identity often leads to strengthening that identity . Debates about Israel can spur you to understand history and current events more deeply . And involvement in campus advocacy can provide training and experience for political engagement and communal or professional leadership for the rest of your life .