August 2024, Dr. Susanna Kokkonen
Violent attacks on college campuses, a riot against a Los Angeles synagogue and antisemitism rampant in the streets, have been features of the past ten months. This all has been going on following the October 7, 2023, horrific surprise attack by Hamas against innocent Israeli civilians. No one could have predicted the emergence of extreme antisemitism so quickly.
The Holocaust Remembrance Association exists to educate younger generations about the dangers of antisemitism and hatred. There is a strong need for the Association to expose and condemn the existing worrisome trend.
As fall term 2024 is starting for American students and pupils alike, news is increasingly worrying. In November 2023, a worried Texan third grader Ethan Rozental wrote to President Biden about the situation Israel is facing. He recently received a reassuring reply from the president. Things however are happening fast on the ground.
In Chicago demonstrators outside the Israeli Consulate burned an American flag, as they clashed with the police. Even Disney film “Snow White” featuring famous Israeli actress Gal Gadot is facing calls of boycott. This is solely due to Gadot’s national background.
In Atlanta three Jewish groups filed a federal complaint against Fulton Country School District. According to the complaint, School District did not act when Jewish and Israeli students faced harassment. Even though school district denied the allegations, across the country schools and universities are facing similar accusations.
Anti-Defamation League filed a complaint against Philadelphia School District. This is noteworthy because Philadelphia is one of the largest school districts in the country.
Signifying the seriousness of the issue, the Department of Education has begun its own investigations against several schools and universities.
Columbia University meanwhile ends suspension of most students previously disciplined for their behavior during the campus encampments and anti-Israel demonstrations. US House of Representatives Education and Workforce Committee seriously doubts that Columbia has worked to rectify the hostile environment Jewish students face.
Truthfully, it is no longer possible to recount all the antisemitic harassment and attacks taking place all over America daily. This is extremely troubling because this kind of unchecked hatred changes a society. It will eventually endanger everyone.
The Holocaust Remembrance Association fully supports education of student bodies, teachers, and faculty alike about antisemitism and its different manifestations.
The Holocaust Remembrance Association urges school district administrators, parents’ associations, teachers, and students to take a strong and unequivocal stand against all antisemitic behavior.
The Holocaust Remembrance Association calls for its supporters and friends take a clear stand against antisemitic hatred that is spreading in America.
The Holocaust Remembrance Association exists to remember, reconcile, and take a stand against antisemitism in all its forms.
