NEW YORK – Jewish on Campus, an organization committed to amplifying the voices of Jewish students to address antisemitism, applauded President Joe Biden’s announcement of his administration’s National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, a first-of-its-kind initiative at the highest levels of government.
Throughout the extensive process that culminated in today’s announcement, Jewish student voices were at the heart of the conversation — holding private meetings with key figures in the administration and taking part in White House roundtables, where Jewish on Campus leaders sounded the alarm on rising campus antisemitism. Responding to the release of the strategy, Julia Jassey, CEO and co-founder of Jewish on Campus, shared:
“Today’s release of the National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism is historic in more ways than one. Not only is this the first time that any administration has created such a plan, but it is also the result of unprecedented Jewish student engagement. Jewish on Campus’ advocacy led directly to results that will impact the lives of Jewish students facing antisemitism across the country.
“From the first days of this administration, the door has been open to Jewish on Campus. Key leaders, from the Second Gentleman to Amb. Deborah Lipstadt, Domestic Policy Advisor Susan Rice and White House Jewish Liaison Shelley Greenspan, have repeatedly heard our voices and responded with the actionable steps that the administration laid out today, including those directly relating to campus antisemitism.
“Antisemitism takes on many different forms. In over 2,200 stories that Jewish students have shared with our organization, they’ve described violent white supremacy, intimidation from fellow students and professors, and anti-Zionist rhetoric that crosses the line into antisemitism.
“While we will review the strategy in greater detail in the coming weeks, and share our insights with our community of students, we are particularly encouraged by the White House’s commitments to increasing student education; including antisemitism in diversity equity and inclusion training; and acknowledging the legal resources for universities to address antisemitism.
“Perhaps above all, today’s announcement is an important validation of our belief that when Jewish students are heard and their stories uplifted, positive change happens.”
