Brandeis student calls for summer 'do-over' after protests left Jews on campus feeling unsafe.

Brandeis University's Jewish student spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital about the need for university leaders to investigate the root cause of students feeling unsafe following anti-Israel protests, resulting in encampments, mass arrests, and antisemitic accusations on college campuses.

According to Shai Goldberg-Kellman, walking past a group of people who unconditionally hate you can be very scary, even if you're not physically threatened.

He continued, "Imagine walking past your supposed home every day and feeling like people hate you without reason. The mental toll that takes on you is immense."

The Israel-Hamas war has led to an increase in anti-Israeli demonstrations at U.S. universities, with many colleges, including Columbia University, witnessing rallies accompanied by antisemitic incidents that have made some Jewish students feel unsafe. However, Brandeis University was one of only two colleges to receive an A grade for its handling of antisemitism and for promoting a safe environment for Jewish students, according to the Anti-Defamation League's Campus Antisemitism Report Card published in April.

Goldberg-Kellman, who has many family members and friends living in Israel, stated that Brandeis demonstrated their commitment to the school's founding values from the beginning, which included creating a safe environment for Jews.

Brandeis University President Ron Liebowitz swiftly condemned Hamas' attack on Israel and the Middle Eastern nation's right to defend itself on Oct. 7, 2023. He also promptly launched an initiative to combat antisemitism in higher education.

According to Liebowitz, student organizations that use antisemitic language should lose all privileges associated with their affiliation at their schools. On the same day, Brandeis, founded in 1948 by the American Jewish community, banned its Students for Justice in Palestine chapter.

"Goldberg-Kellman stated, "I've never truly felt like someone who feels unsafe being a Jew. I wear a kippah and walk around wherever I want with it, and I've never really felt threatened. However, that doesn't mean it's not real.""

"My friends on different campuses, including Yale and Columbia, are devastated because they don't feel safe walking around," he stated. "This is a real issue that is affecting them."

In 2023, the U.S. experienced a record-high of 8,873 antisemitic incidents, which was a 140% increase from the previous year, according to the ADL. Additionally, antisemitic incidents on college campuses increased by 321% to 922 occurrences in 2023.

College consultant: High school students rejected Columbia due to anti-Semitism.

In April, anti-Israel protests at Columbia University reached a boiling point when a pro-Palestinian encampment formed on campus, causing fear and escalating tensions among some students. As a result, the college switched to hybrid or virtual learning to close out the semester and canceled its main graduation commencement due to safety concerns.

"Goldberg-Kellman stated that she has had conversations with many people who disagree with her, and it was always comfortable for her because she is at Brandeis. She believes that being a Jewish student at Brandeis is the main difference from what it's like to be a Jewish student elsewhere."

He continued, "If I were at Columbia, I would likely still be doing that, but I wouldn't have the same level of security while doing it. I believe this needs to be addressed."

Brandeis University extended its transfer application deadline to May 31 due to campus hostility and fear among Jewish students following some college protests, according to a press release.

""The college decision process for students now is vastly different from what anyone else has experienced due to the increase in transfers and interest," Goldberg-Kellman stated."

As the semester concludes, Goldberg-Kellman believes universities should reassess their approach.

He stated that with the arrests and encampment dismantling, there may be a chance for a partial do-over if handled appropriately.

Brown University leaders' compromise with protesters is an example of how students and colleges can work together to promote a safe environment and protect free speech. In exchange for administrators taking a vote in October on a proposal to divest from Israel, the school's anti-Israel demonstrators shut down their encampment.

Goldberg-Kellman stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that she believes doing something similar would shift the situation from a group versus a university to one where they are working towards a common goal.

"As a Jewish student, I am not being harmed by going to the university president and expressing my concerns, so I believe the next step is to listen to students and make them feel heard, as they are adults."

Goldberg-Kellman advised students to steer clear of assuming others' beliefs and instead engage in respectful communication.

"I believe that many people on campuses and in the world hold reasonable views about the world. We can all agree that killing civilians and terrorism are wrong. When people come together, they often share more in common than they realize."

Brandeis did not respond to Planet Chronicle Digital's request for comment.