Day School Senior Class Learns to Confront Anti-Semitism on College Campuses

  • October 24, 2013

For the fourth year in a row, ADL has adapted its long-standing program, Confronting Anti-Semitism,  to make it relevant for Jewish college-bound students.  For two days during October 2013 one-third of the senior class of New Community Jewish High School attended this interactive workshop to help college-bound seniors challenge old stereotypes and new anti-Israel sentiment.  By March 2014 the entire senior class will have received this training.

 

The aim of the program is to prepare pre-college Jewish students for anti-Israel and anti-Semitic sentiments and activities that they may encounter on university campuses.  As ADL has reported, Anti-Israel Activity on Campus, 2011-2012: An ADL Annual Review and Israeli Apartheid Week: A Year-by-Year Report, the words and tactics used by anti-Zionists on campus are evolving and Jewish students need new resources and skills to deal with these issues both proactively and reactively.

 

Confronting Anti-Semitism participants learn about anti-Israel activity on campuses and practice strategies responding to various scenarios.  Interactive activities are used, including audio-visual displays, and thought-provoking questions are introduced to prepare these students for complex situations they might encounter on campus regarding Israel.  They also receive many resources, including ADL’s Fighting Back: A Handbook for Responding to Anti-Israel Rallies on College and University Campuses.

 

Student evaluations from the most recent program indicated that they learned a great deal from the training and particularly enjoyed the interactive activities and practice scenarios.  Comments included the following:

 

  • “Do not just be a bystander.”
  • “I will pay closer attention to what is going on in the Middle East and try to learn from various perspectives.”
  • “Be more involved and aware on campus.”
  • “Speak up for Israel.”

 

This program is available to high school students.  For further information, contact us or call 310-446-8000.