Finding a Sense of Belonging: A Student’s Journey to Israel

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Finding a Sense of Belonging: A Student’s Journey to Israel By Jon Ziner Cohen Choosing to study abroad is a significant decision for any student, but for me, it was deeply personal and transformative. My journey from studying architecture in Toronto to pursuing a master's in human-Computer Interaction (HCI) in Israel at Reichman University is marked by challenges, resilience, and a love for my heritage and community. Navigating Hostility on Campus My undergraduate experience at OCAD University, a renowned art and design institution in Toronto, was overshadowed by pervasive antisemitism. Despite the promises of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), I and other Jewish students often felt excluded from these values. A simple Google search of “OCAD University antisemitism” reveals numerous examples of hostility toward Jews and Israel. My own thesis project was torn down, and I received personal threats, along with other Jewish peers. The campus environment was rife with senior administrators posting anti-Israel sentiments or romanticizing terror groups, which only deepened the alienation. This hostility fueled a sense of urgency within me to advocate for my community. Yet, I wanted a space where I could focus on design and research without constantly defending my identity or justifying the Jewish right to peace and security in Israel as well as within Canada. Finding Refuge and Opportunity in Israel Driven by a connection to Israel, I made the decision to pursue my graduate studies at Reichman University. None of my immediate family members are Israeli, but the idea of immersing myself in the country’s culture and contributing to its resilience during wartime felt both compelling and meaningful. Unlike the fleeting nature of short visits, studying here allowed me to truly live and engage with Israeli life. I believed that being in Israel would offer a chance to focus on learning and research without the hostility I had endured. It was also a way to stand by a country