A new platform has been launched to provide services to Jewish students on North American college campuses who are facing antisemitism.
Since October 7, 2023, Jewish students on college campuses have experienced an unprecedented wave of antisemitism that has caused thousands of students to feel unsafe, targeted, and under attack. Most feel unprepared to understand and effectively respond to these situations.
Following a number of discussions with both Jewish professionals and students regarding the lack of resources to deal with the sheer amount of antisemitism, especially on underserved campuses, Aish is launching United Against Antisemitism (UAA) with the support of Cross River Bank through its philanthropic arm.
UAA is a unique private online community that provides a dedicated safe space for support, action, and community-building among Jewish students and young professionals. The new platform ensures a space where Jewish students can freely express themselves, discuss difficult situations, get answers to their questions, share resources and ideas, and combine to implement action items against antisemitism.
“We’re excited to partner with Aish to combat this age-old hatred called antisemitismת” said Gilles Gade, Founder and CEO of Cross River. “The launch of United Against Antisemitism embodies our belief that lasting change begins with thinking and teaching what is right, what is true, and what we believe will bring peace and harmony amongst nations.”
The UAA space will serve as a hub for critical discussions, incident reporting, and expert insights on Jewish thought and advocacy.
Through live events, real-time Q&A sessions, and interactive tools, UAA aims to empower Jews to stand united and foster resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.
“UAA isn’t just building a platform,” said Rabbi Steven Burg, CEO of Aish. “It is a movement dedicated to empowering Jewish identity, resilience, and connection.”
The initiative came after representatives from US college campuses, including Hillel directors, shared that they didn’t have enough resources to adequately serve their student populations in the face of the overwhelming antisemitism students are facing.
The new UAA Program Manager is acclaimed American-Israeli marathon champion and community leader Beatie Deutsch, known for her work as a public advocate for the Jewish people. She brings with her more than 10 years of experience directing programming for thousands of Jewish students and young professionals globally.
“I think more than anything else, students need community,” Deutsch commented. “They need a space where they can feel safe, and where they realize they’re not alone. UAA is a space where students can get connected, come together, learn from student leaders and their peers, and feel that they can make a meaningful impact in response to the antisemitism that is going on.”
