Navigating Jewish Identity in the Modern Campus Landscape

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BY: JONATHAN DAVIS Navigating Jewish Identity in the Modern Campus Landscape. Challenges and Resilience at Reichman University The rise of “Woke Culture”, “Cancel Culture”, and the erosion of traditional values have left students on many campuses grappling with a sense of unease and apprehension. Of particular concern is the surge in instances of anti-Zionism and antisemitism, increasingly visible in academic settings. As the specter of intolerance looms large, students find themselves navigating a precarious terrain where the free exchange of ideas is often stifled by fear of ostracization and reprisal. Campuses are witnessing chants such as "From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free," insinuating the destruction of Israel, along with mentions of genocide and accusations of Jews perpetrating acts akin to those of the Nazis. Instances of minimizing the Holocaust, justifications for violent acts, disruptions of freedom of speech, and the tearing down of posters depicting hostages in Gaza are disturbingly prevalent. These images, broadcast from overseas in our media in Israel, present a stark contrast to the principles of the Jewish and Democratic State of Israel, which upholds freedom of press and speech. As Israel's only private but non-profit university, Reichman University is dedicated to strengthening and nurturing the State of Israel and the Jewish world. The founder of our university, Professor Uriel Reichman, established the University’s charter based on Zionism and the values of the country's forefathers, including Herzl, Jabotinsky, Ben Gurion, and Begin. These values encompass the Israeli Declaration of Independence and the philosophy of a nation "by the people, for the people, with the minority in mind." In practical terms, this translates to preferential treatment for those who serve in national defense. And indeed many students on our campus have served in reserves, reflecting a deeply ingrained commitment to the nation's security. With a signifi