On college campuses across the country, Jewish students are living in fear. Since the October 7th Hamas massacre, antisemitism has surged to alarming levels, turning institutions of higher learning into hotbeds of hate.
Professors and students openly praise Hamas and its brutality. Antisemitic harassment, threats, and even physical violence against Jewish students have become disturbingly routine. Shockingly, university administrators—including at the most elite institutions—have responded with silence, excuses, or indifference.
This is unacceptable. Jewish students deserve to be safe. It is our responsibility to take action.
Legislative Action: A Clear Definition of Antisemitism
The bipartisan Antisemitism Awareness Act aims to be a critical weapon in the fight against campus antisemitism.
This legislation directs the U.S. Department of Education to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when investigating cases of discrimination against Jewish students. By codifying this definition into law, the bill ensures that universities, government agencies, and the courts have a clear legal framework to determine when anti-Israel rhetoric and antisemitic behavior cross the line from free speech into unlawful harassment.
Without a clear definition, universities can continue ignoring or excusing discrimination under the guise of “academic freedom.” Passing this bill is essential to holding institutions accountable and ensuring that Jewish students are protected under federal law.
Congress Must Act – And So Must We
In the last legislative session, the Antisemitism Awareness Act passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support (320-91) but failed to receive a Senate hearing.
This year, Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) have reintroduced the bill in the House (H.R. 1007), while Senators Tim Scott (R-NC) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) have introduced a companion bill (S.558) in the Senate.
How You Can Take Action
Agudath Israel of America’s Washington Office is urging our community to take action.
Rabbi Abba Cohen, Vice President for Government Affairs, Washington Director and Counsel, and Rabbi Yossie Charner, Director of Congressional Affairs, are calling on individuals to contact their elected officials and demand support for the Antisemitism Awareness Act.
Without legal protections, Jewish students will continue to face unchecked harassment on campus. We must act now.
Call or email your representatives today. Your voice can make a difference in ensuring Jewish students no longer have to live in fear.
To take action, visit:
https://agudah.org/take-action-protect-jewish-students-from-antisemitism
To watch Congressman Mike Lawler discuss how Congress is fighting antisemitism, visit:
Take Action: Protect Jewish Students from Antisemitism!
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