I was privileged and honoured to sit in on a Hillel staff meeting at the University of Toronto’s Wolfond Centre during Israeli Apartheid Week (IAW). My task was to give what is called chizuk, or strength, to those around the table, as it had been a difficult week.
I sat next to Zack Kay, the director of Hillel and a steadfast and visionary leader. I looked out at all the campus staff members (about 15 of them) responsible for York University, Ryerson University and, of course, U of T.
I felt privileged and honoured to be part of that meeting, because I felt privy to something significant going on in the world – and everyone likes to sit next to important and courageous people.
I listened closely to the reporting. By then, I had read so much about IAW – much of it hyperbole – that hearing about this shameful event first hand, from individuals who had been eyewitnesses to it, was enlightening. I metaphorically put down the daily newspaper filled with sensationalism and listened to hear something authentic.
Around the table we went. A representative from one of the Jewish campuses (I will leave names out for security reasons) said that Jewish students were feeling intimidated on campus, especially during IAW.
Another staff said that a lot of IAW is well-organized and well thought through, and that there is a need to be concerned about its level of sophistication.
An entire spectrum of thought and opinion emanated from the meeting, reflecting fear of growing anti-Semitism on campus and the belief that Jewish students have friends everywhere. I was fascinated.
Mostly, however, I was proud of the people who were speaking. I realized as the meeting moved on that the people sitting next to me were walking the walk of activism – actually fighting the fight – and that they’re integral for the preparation that’s required for a 12-round battle against anti-Semitism.
Then came my turn to speak.
I told the staff that we in the community recognize the courage it takes to be a Jewish community worker on campus nowadays. I let them know that we know they are on the front lines of combatting anti-Semitism and are wading into perilous waters. “This has not gone unnoticed,” I said.
I told my bold colleagues that we feel for them, knowing that they’re taking the punches and under stress from forces both within the community and outside of it. I reported to them that Jews everywhere – Holocaust survivors and rabbis, as well as men, women and children up and down the Bathurst Street corridor, above Steeles and below Bloor Street – are indebted to them for their gallant leadership.
On behalf of the Canadian Jewish community, I say to campus staff and students thank you for your eternal vigilance as Jews and accolades for choosing community work as your livelihood, knowing the risks that come with it.
Unfortunately, you are now witnesses to the “oldest hatred”: anti-Semitism. Your perception as Jews has likely changed, but today you are seasoned professionals, more so than yesterday. We need you. Let there be no mistake about that. We need you.
So as we forge ahead during these days when all Jews need to be awake and active, we listen closely to you on ways to stymie the hatred and on how to be strong when the night sets in and arrows of hatred are shot at us. We look to you for guidance and pledge support, in any way required.
Well done! May God always protect you, as well as Jews everywhere and all good people of the world. May the darkness you have come to see turn into light and let unity reign. Am Yisrael chai! The Nation of Israel shall live!
See Avrum’s blog at http://avrum.net.