My perfectionist tendencies have, at times, hindered me from taking chances. I thought this was my biggest hurdle until, one evening, on the way home from a high school hangout, bullying became the core concern.
Walking together as a large group, one of us spotted a dollar bill on the cemented sidewalk. One of my peers stared at me directly and said, “There you go, Jew girl. I am sure you will pick it up.” I walked away, shocked.
At that moment, a flood of emotions overcame me because my innocence in an imagined utopian society no longer existed. I became aware of derogatory slurs, even in the comforts of my tree-lined neighborhood. But this represented so much more than the approved chuckles from the bystanders. These isolated verbal attacks have led to systemic violence on a broader scale. This significant event turned out to be the introduction to my understanding that hatred lingered from generation to generation.
After weeks of allowing the wounding amusement to continue while the observers stood quiet, I realized that following the herd would not benefit a conflict resolution strategy. So, rather than silently sanctioning these classmates’ ignorance, I proclaimed it my responsibility to educate them about the severity of prejudices. I researched the history and trauma behind prejudices flourishing in various cultures and methodically created a school presentation for my classmates on antisemitism.
Following the lecture, one of my antagonists apologized profusely, explaining his naivete regarding the movements against Jewish communities. Motivated by his reaction, I orchestrated a field trip to the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, “a foundation teaching lessons from the Holocaust to focus attention on contemporary issues of genocide, intolerance and inhumanity at home and worldwide.”
With the increasing confidence to take on challenging roles, I translated this experience by continuing to have a voice on the college campus. I spread the importance of open communication and kindness through group involvement with the Center of Diversity & Inclusion and as a member of the Delta Theta Psi service sorority organizations. However, antisemitism continued to rise on college campuses.
Recently, I came into contact with students carrying pro-Palestinian posters condemning the Jewish population. Questioning their presence, I discovered that “peaceful” protests had been accepted partly due to the DEI movement on college campuses emphasizing freedom of speech. During group-organized events rallying against Israel in broad daylight, handmade posters that had devastating phrases, such as “from the river to the sea,” were plastered in highlighted letters. The protestors were asked if they knew what that saying meant and the response was “no.” Once the meaning had been explained, the audience became startled yet eager to gain additional information.
Mesmerized by these eye-opening experiences, I continue to behold an appreciation for the guidance of light, truth and the courage necessary to move forward with conviction. I learned that when faced with bigotry, immediately confronting the problem has proven enlightening. Whether prejudice refers to sexism, inequality, discrimination or a religious/racial divide, the college’s role is to be instrumental in diminishing hatred. The support of universities providing an educational platform, rather than a green light to movements spewing hatred without evaluating its ramifications or consequences, would serve as a means to encourage emotional and intellectual growth in these hungry minds.
Hatred lingering from generation to generation continues to fuel violent acts. The way to address and confront verbal threats against Israel and Jews on college campuses is through uniting people from all backgrounds and cultures. Instead of remaining mute and saddened, university support for providing a forum for open discussion would open naive eyes to the truth. I ask: “Is this not the purpose of an education?”
The article won second place in B’nai B’rith’s 2024 “None Shall Be Afraid” Essay Contest.
