LEXIE THAYER
STAFF WRITER
11/25/2024
On Thursday, Nov. 14, Alma College’s Hillel hosted an event to combat antisemitism on campus. Hillel is a campus organization that aims to foster Jewish life on campus and provide a safe space for Jewish students to feel welcomed and included.
The event explored the complexities and struggles of being a Jewish student on campus and featured speaker Maddi Jackson, Israel Action and Addressing Antisemitism Program Manager at Hillel International.
The event began with sharing refreshments and matzo ball soup, an Ashkenazi Jewish cultural dish. Then, Jackson spoke about the history of Judaism and Jewish peoples, allowing for open discussion between topics.
“I loved trying a new food dish and learning more about Jewish culture and history with Hillel,” said Molly Chinery (‘28).
Following this, Jackson described the forms that antisemitism takes on college campuses from harmful symbols to physical assault.
“The sheer amount of hatred that several communities around campus are experiencing lately is unacceptable. Campus is supposed to be a safe space for everyone,” said Ashley White (‘28).
Recent actions on campus have displayed discrimination toward both the Jewish and LGBTQ+ communities. Damon Brown, Alma College’s Vice President for Student Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer, sent an email to the college on Nov. 12 detailing the incident.
“Sadly, we have become aware of another troubling incident of discrimination and harassment directed at members of our campus community — this time our Jewish population. The incident involves flyers posted around campus, specifically those for an upcoming event hosted by Hillel.
Some of these event flyers were damaged or removed from bulletin boards without permission,” said Brown.
“I was disappointed with the behavior of the student body and such a brazen show of disrespect and bias… I found it interesting that they told us about the incidents and disapproved, but then didn’t outline what disciplinary actions would be taken,” said Isabella Manor (‘27).
“I was disappointed when I realized that a campus that was so focused on being accepting to other communities was targeted by such hate,” said Mackenzie Brooks (‘28).
Despite these threats, Hillel did not back down, rehanging the posters and continuing to hold the event.
Gabriel J. Baynesan (’25), President of Alma College’s Hillel organization, shared insights from the event and the harassment that occurred before the event.
“I was both thoroughly disappointed and surprised seeing our events posters crumpled and trashed…Though the college administration reached out to ensure that no sort of physical retaliation had been taken out… the lack of security cameras prior to the harassment feeds into a larger issue of campus security being ill-prepared for said conflict,” said Baynesan.
“I intend to continue providing a safe environment for Jewish students on campus and pave a way for future events that promote the same message of safety and inclusion for marginalized communities as the formerly mentioned intimidation is indicative of a grander issue surrounding diversity of thought and ethnicity on Alma’s Campus,” said Baynesan.
If you feel you are experiencing harassment, you can contact Campus Security at (989) 463-7777. And if you are struggling mentally due to the recent events on campus, Wilcox mental health services are available to help you.
The Almanian: News 
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