In the aftermath of the Hamas-led terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, a wave of antisemitism has surged across prestigious university campuses. This alarming trend has prompted some Jewish philanthropists to reconsider their commitments, highlighting dissatisfaction with institutional responses to these crises.
This moment compels us to reflect on a broader, more strategic question: What’s next for our support and engagement with higher education?
Historically, when faced with societal exclusion, the Jewish community in America has built essential structures within law firms, hospitals, medical centers, marketing firms and schools, which embody our values and resilience. These institutions have demonstrated our ability to thrive independently in the face of discrimination. We face similar challenges now, but our response must transcend past efforts, blending innovation with our enduring values.
The surge in campus antisemitism, highlighted by incidents at Columbia University and other prominent schools where protests escalated into safety concerns, calls for a bold reimagining of our support systems. Antisemitism is increasingly mainstream, with the Anti-Defamation League reporting a 360% increase in incidents following Oct. 7.
In the wake of the latest “rupture and reconstruction” in Jewish history, the Shoah and post-1948 events, we have a unique opportunity to grow together in person and virtually. We should embrace this chance.
We cannot withdraw from universities. Instead, we must construct new platforms to advance educational goals. Strengthening existing Jewish institutions is crucial, as many Jews cannot afford them, and their educational rigor can always improve. By creating a stronger Jewish community, one that is more intellectually in tune with our heritage, we can effectively combat societal hate and, more importantly, thrive.
New educational initiatives must equip our students with knowledge and resilience. A dedicated fund aimed at expanding our educational resources is essential. This initiative would include direct funding, property investment, and the leveraging of buildings and bonds to reinvest in further projects. Schools would receive predictable, upfront funding for 12 years at discounted rates for Jewish families in need, enhancing stability and educational quality.
At the heart of this approach is an educational fund designed to support Jewish schools with long-term, stable financing. This would alleviate the escalating tuition crisis and ensure high educational standards and financial transparency. Stable funding will allow institutions to focus on delivering a rich educational experience without constant financial strain. This concept draws inspiration from Cooper Union’s historical model, which provided free tuition thanks to a generous endowment and financial support established by its founder, Peter Cooper, and subsequent benefactors such as Andrew Carnegie. They benefited from owning valuable real estate, which generated substantial rental income. Their approach involved lean operations, leading to efficient use of resources.
We must also look to successful international models. Inspired by French and German schools, we can improve existing brick-and-mortar schools rather than rebuild them. We need a comprehensive curriculum that includes Jewish tradition, culture, language and history, modeled after the Alliance Israélite Universelle and the Zilberman method, where Jewish youth learn much of the Torah by heart. Israel’s Ministry of Education and Diaspora can provide resources that educators should leverage. A strong Diaspora in lockstep with Israeli Jews is crucial to maintaining a robust Jewish identity globally, as we can positively influence each other and bridge the gap between our communities.
Moreover, the curriculum requires a comprehensive overhaul, including how to conduct Jewish education for educators. Partnering with Israel’s education ministry, the revised curriculum would encompass Jewish tradition, culture and history. This is about crafting an education that equips younger generations with a deep sense of history, instilling in them the resilience to face modern challenges, including antisemitism.
The ADL’s report underscores the urgency, highlighting a disturbing increase in antisemitic incidents. This necessitates a robust educational response that fortifies younger generations against such hatred.
This crisis calls for visionary leadership reminiscent of past Jewish philanthropists who, faced with adversity, established enduring institutions. Today’s leaders have the opportunity to build on this legacy by funding initiatives that invest in the Jewish community’s long-term vitality. Like Bezalel and Oholiav, the builders of the Tabernacle in ancient times, these leaders would be crafting educational sanctuaries that secure the future of Jewish identity.
By alleviating the burdensome costs of Jewish education, our leaders can liberate future generations, enabling them to thrive without financial constraint. Such an initiative would not be merely funding; it would be a foundational act of building our community’s future, ensuring that our traditions flourish and inspire.
Let us draw inspiration from our history of resilience and innovation. Our response to this crisis will define our legacy, so let it be one of strength, unity and vision. Creating robust, future-focused institutions is not merely a response to current challenges but a commitment to the enduring spirit and continuity of Jewish life worldwide.
As antisemitism challenges our students and institutions, we must not retreat but advance, building systems that uphold our values and secure our future. This is our call to action: to forge ahead with boldness and purpose, ensuring that our community not only endures but emerges stronger and more vibrant than ever.