Anti-Semitism is a strange concept. It is unjust, baseless, and irrational. Why does seeing different individuals or groups arouse hatred and anger? Ever since this form of racism has existed, both the perpetrators of anti-Semitism themselves and Jews have tried to address this issue. came.
I arrived on campus as a freshman. These questions and discussions were swirling in the back of my mind. Having only attended Jewish schools for most of my life, I wonder if the same welcoming and respectful environment will be reflected on campus? Yes, bigots and anti-Semites exist everywhere, but surely all the stories and accounts are just scary stories my mom got from Facebook, right?
No, it’s not. The more I walked around campus, the more I realized the truth. The chants, leaflets, banners and posters all painted a very ugly picture. There was disunity and vitriol everywhere.
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University of Bristol. 2024
It was then that I decided to run for chairman of Bristol Jsoc. As students, we had to spread the message of unity and peace. We had to say, “We’re tired of bullying and hate. We’re taking a clear stand.”
The more I walked around campus, the more I realized the truth. The chants, leaflets, banners and posters all painted a very ugly picture. There was disunity and vitriol everywhere.
So, once I was elected, I began the difficult process of tackling hate with my committee. It’s clear why progress has stalled so far, even though it’s just getting started. I realized that this project had to go beyond meetings and bureaucracy, as the university executive and student union repeatedly nodded at board meetings without actually taking action. Naturally, the reaction to this slow progress is to give up, drop the fight, and just keep going, but that’s not the attitude you should take.
Edgar Santos
Jewish students across the country are scared. They fear what will happen if we raise our heads above the ground. Let this be a message to all students. As long as we live in this fear, we lose the momentum to fight back. We have always had, and always will have, the power to make the change we want. May the early Zionists be an inspiration. They went out and against all odds created shelters for Jews everywhere.
Although they lacked money, support, and resources, they nevertheless established the only democracy in the Middle East. We too can take action. Nothing is beyond our reach. We should not feel lonely or helpless. Our stance must be “enough is enough.” Enough of anti-Semitic abuse on campuses and academic spaces.
Together with other Jsocs and UJS (Union of Jewish Students), we will continue to promote communalism and education to break down these barriers. We have been working on a project to ensure that university staff and students are fully aware of what crosses the line of anti-Semitism.
There is widespread ignorance about what is and is not anti-Semitic. Further steps need to be taken to ensure everyone is aware.
A group of students led by the Socialist Workers’ Student Association occupied the university’s main building (Senate House) and carried out “weaponization of anti-Semitism” and “education” about David Miller.Photo: Edgar Santos
With all this in mind, it is clear that some things cannot happen from night to day. Recent events have proven that no matter how much progress we wish to make, there is always an uphill battle ahead. Universities’ excessive caution appears to still be a challenge. Either way, we must continue to engage, lobby, and pressure campuses and departments to improve student life.
Yes, there are two Jews and three opinions, but let’s all take this opportunity to unite under the banner of peace and create an environment free of hatred in our educational institutions.
- Edgar Santos is Chairman of Bristol JSoc