Gen Z Jews Stand Against Anti-Semitism

 

On February 11, 2021, LDB Chairman Kenneth L. Marcus participated in an online seminar hosted by Gen Z Jews to discuss campus anti-Semitism. Gen Z Jews is a group dedicated to providing a forum for Gen Z to become leaders in the fight against anti-Semitism. The event included a discussion between Marcus and Zackary Singerman, the head of Gen Z Jews.

In his remarks, Marcus said that we are “not in a situation that require alarm, but a situation that requires action” in response to the state of campus anti-Semitism. Mr. Marcus thoughtfully explained that while American Jews can still have a happy and healthy college experience, the reality of increasing anti-Semitic events on college campuses is very real. Marcus discussed the various types of anti-Semitism and how they can manifest in the form of swastikas, BDS efforts, or exclusion of pro-Israel organizations. They can lead to the silencing of Jewish students and the forced disavowal of students’ Jewish identities as a condition of participation in certain sectors of student life.

This organization was founded by Singerman, a high school student who felt compelled to take action after his grandmother survived the Tree of Life Shooting in Pittsburgh. The group is composed of high school and college students looking to prepare themselves for the harsh realities they may face as young, Jewish Zionists. Currently, Gen Z Jews is providing a virtual winter speaker series which covers topics including Israel, anti-Semitism and “adding anti-Semitism to the conversation of hate.”

Mr. Marcus concluded with advice on how best to handle anti-Semitic incidents when they arise and urged students to remain hopeful. While it is true there is a resurgence of anti-Semitism on college campuses, many students are pushing back with help from groups like the Louis D. Brandeis Center.

To watch the full event please click here.