Global Student Summit Confronts Rising Campus Antisemitism

More than 300 Jewish students, community leaders, and allies converged in New York City for the 'Rise & Respond: Global Student Summit Against Antisemitism', addressing the unprecedented surge of antisemitism on university campuses.

The summit, organized by the Combat Antisemitism Movement, revealed a disturbing trend of escalating antisemitic incidents, with 742 reported on American campuses in 2024—a staggering 120.8% increase from the previous year. This dramatic rise underscores the growing threat facing Jewish students in higher education institutions.

Participants shared personal experiences of discrimination and harassment, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic change. Michael Kaminsky, a DePaul University student who was physically assaulted on campus, exemplified the resilience of Jewish students by transforming his traumatic experience into advocacy for community protection.

Key speakers, including U.S. Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and former Meta executive Sheryl Sandberg, stressed the importance of proactive measures to combat hate. The summit introduced the FACE Antisemitism Initiative and a HEAT Map & Advocacy Platform designed to identify and challenge antisemitic rhetoric in academic settings.

The event highlighted the complex challenges facing Jewish students, ranging from physical intimidation to institutional indifference. Speakers like Ambassador Danny Danon urged students to challenge anti-Israel resolutions and fight against attempts to marginalize their experiences.

By bringing together students from across the globe, the summit aimed to create a unified response to antisemitism, transforming individual experiences of discrimination into a collective movement for change. The gathering represents a critical moment of solidarity and strategic planning in confronting a rapidly growing social problem.