antisemitism

While this editorial board and the campus community may differ vastly on where we each stand, we can all agree on one thing: We must remain firmly committed to protecting students.

I was ignorant about the extent of antisemitism before coming to UC Berkeley. I now solemnly realize that this is an all-too-familiar story for Jewish people everywhere as I find myself begging for my community to be valued as human beings.

Hate only becomes more prevalent when people do not identify it as hate. It is time to show Jewish students respect by living with the intention of never forgetting such hate exists.

It is your job to educate yourself and others about the harm of any hate speech perpetuated against any faith. Instead of serving as a bystander to antisemitism to the point where neo-Nazis are openly saluting Hitler on the 405, try reflecting on what got us to this point. 

In December, social media briefly became invested in a controversy ignited by Jon Stewart: Are the banker goblins featured in the “Harry Potter” series antisemitic caricatures?

How can Jewish students feel supported during these dark times when we walk through a campus every day that has posters of our murderers in its buildings?

UC Berkeley community members may not have control over acts of violence and hatred on a national scale, but they can foster a peaceful coexistence on this campus.