In a letter sent to all of its student members, Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi), the Jewish college fraternity, urged students to continue demonstrating Jewish pride and advocating for Israel, but to be mindful of anti-Israel and antisemitic protests being scheduled on a number of campuses.
In the letter, AEPi CEO Rob Derdiger wrote to students: “I want to encourage all of our brothers not to be intimidated and to continue to demonstrate your Jewish pride and advocacy for Israel, but to do so peacefully and not to engage protesters in a hostile manner. We want all of our brothers to be aware of dangerous situations. As always, our foremost concern is for your safety.”
Derdiger also wrote, “AEPi strongly believes in the value of free speech, even when we vehemently disagree with it. Campuses are places where ideas need to be exchanged, and limiting what speech is allowed is a dangerous precedent. However, the time, place and manner of speech must comply with the guidelines of your college or university. All campus events must be conducted lawfully, and it is critical to report them if individuals or organizations violate your campus policies.”
AEPi leadership has continued to work with campus administrators across North America to make them aware of the expected protests, as well as to ensure that campus security and local law enforcement are aware of the situation and are safeguarding Jewish students.
Many AEPi chapters are once again participating in AEPi’s “Strength Through Service” campaign, marking the anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attacks through acts of service and tikkun olam, repairing the world.
“Nothing demonstrates AEPi’s mission—to develop future leaders of the Jewish community—better than seeing our undergraduates take on this initiative at this specific point in time. Our community needs more leaders, and our world needs people willing to step up and make a difference, making it better. AEPi’s student members are doing that today and will continue to do so into the future,” said Derdiger.
