In the year since Hamas launched an unprovoked attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, an alarming surge in antisemitism has continued globally. 

The Anti-Defamation League says that the United States reported over 8,000 antisemitic incidents in 2023, a 140% increase from the previous year. These incidents encompassed various forms of harassment, vandalism and physical assaults, the league reported.

The surge in antisemitism has also been prominent on college campuses, with over 1,400 reported antisemitic incidents reported nationwide. The Anti-Defamation League said that was an all-time high. 

Some pro-Palestinian protests on campuses have included antisemitic rhetoric or escalated into harassment, creating a hostile environment for some Jewish students and faculty. Protests have even featured demands for universities to sever ties with Jewish institutions, deepening the sense of fear and isolation, some Jewish students and observers say.

Amidst a nationwide rise in antisemitic incidents, Jewish students at some American universities have expressed growing concerns for their safety on campus. Many students report feeling apprehensive about openly displaying their Jewish identity, fearing potential harassment or discrimination.

Jewish organizations at the University of Arizona have stepped up to provide a sense of community and support for Jewish students. Both Chabad and Hillel have increased programming and outreach to involve more Jewish students on campus. 

“Many students are going through many things, especially everything that’s been going on in Israel and on campuses,” said Rabbi Shmuley Shanowitz, co-director of Chabad at the University of Arizona. “Over the past year, our Shabbat dinners have gotten even bigger and we’ve seen even more students coming and wanting to participate.” 

“We do have a lot of students that are suddenly coming here,” added Elie Dvorin, UA Hillel’s newly named executive director. “They realize they need a place where they can feel (secure). I want those students to come here because (Hillel) strives to be the place where Jewish students feel comfortable.”

Both organizations have worked closely with university administrators and local law enforcement to ensure the safety of Jewish students and groups on campus. 

“I really think that the university cares to make sure that the Jewish students here are enjoying their experience, don’t feel intimidated in the classroom and are comfortable around their peers,” Shanowitz said. 

Chrissy Lieberman, interim dean of students at the University of Arizona, has held weekly meetings throughout the past year to support Jewish students affected by campus incidents. 

These meetings involved representatives from Hillel, Chabad and affected students and focused on providing support, fostering open communication and ensuring student safety.

“We wanted to be as proactive as possible,” Lieberman said. “We would use those weekly meetings to establish relationships so students could tell us what they needed.”

Lieberman said the university aimed to balance the First Amendment with the need to protect students from harmful speech while creating a supportive environment for all.

Lieberman emphasized the importance of understanding student needs and maintaining open communication.

“The weekly meetings with Chrissy were incredible,” said Shanowitz. “She was the one who directed us to who we needed to connect with.”

Over the summer, Shanowitz attended a convention in Israel where over 200 Chabad representatives gathered to share experiences and learn about Israel. 

“We spent five days there, networking, visiting the sites and meeting the people,” Shanowitz said. “(It) was very powerful. I came back with many tools and tips on ways to know the best way to navigate certain situations.”

Dvorin said regular communication and collaboration with other Hillel chapters at colleges across the United States is key. 

“I communicate constantly with other directors at other Hillels,” he said. “We have weekly meetings and are alerted to security events, policies and procedures implemented at other campuses.”

UA Chabad and Hillel both have planned events, including fundraisers and vigils, to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks. 

Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.