jpost.com
New Online Community Offers Support to Jewish College Students Amidst Rise in Antisemitism
A new online community, "United Against Antisemitism" (UAA), launched on October 7, 2023, by Aish with Cross River Bank's funding, offers support and resources for Jewish college students experiencing a recent surge in antisemitism, providing a safe space for community building and collective action.
- What immediate actions does the "United Against Antisemitism" initiative take to address the recent surge in antisemitism on college campuses?
- United Against Antisemitism" (UAA), a new online community launched by Aish with Cross River Bank's support, provides a safe space for Jewish college students facing rising antisemitism. Since October 7, 2023, a surge in antisemitic incidents has left many students feeling unsafe and targeted. UAA offers support, community building, and resources to combat this.
- What underlying factors contributed to the creation of the "United Against Antisemitism" online community, and what are its potential long-term effects on combating antisemitism?
- The initiative addresses the lack of resources on college campuses to counter antisemitism, as reported by campus representatives. UAA aims to build resilience and empower Jewish students through live events, Q&A sessions, and interactive tools, fostering a sense of community and collective action. This is in response to a significant increase in antisemitic incidents since October 7, 2023, impacting thousands of students.
- How will the "United Against Antisemitism" initiative measure its success, and what challenges might it face in achieving its goals of fostering resilience and combating antisemitism on college campuses?
- UAA's long-term impact could be significant in fostering a more resilient and connected Jewish student community. The platform's success will depend on its ability to reach and engage students, provide effective resources, and contribute to tangible changes in combating antisemitism on campuses. The initiative's focus on community building and empowerment offers a proactive approach to countering the rise in antisemitic incidents.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the launch of UAA extremely positively, highlighting its potential to combat antisemitism and empower Jewish students. The headline and introduction emphasize the positive aspects of the platform, focusing on its supportive and safe nature. While this is understandable given the context, the overwhelmingly positive framing might overshadow potential challenges or limitations of the platform. Quotes from Aish and Cross River Bank representatives are primarily positive and supportive, reinforcing this positive framing.
Language Bias
The language used is largely positive and emotive, using words like "safe," "supportive," "empowering," and "inspiring." While these words are not inherently biased, their consistent use creates a tone that may be perceived as overly optimistic or lacking nuance. The repeated use of phrases like "age-old hatred" and "untainted truth" contributes to a somewhat polarized presentation of the issue. More neutral language could be used, such as 'challenging situation' instead of 'age-old hatred,' and 'shared understanding' instead of 'untainted truth'.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the creation and launch of the UAA platform, but omits details about the nature and scale of the antisemitic incidents on college campuses that prompted its creation. While the article mentions an "unprecedented wave" and thousands of students feeling unsafe, it lacks specifics on the types of incidents, their frequency, or geographical distribution. This omission could limit readers' understanding of the problem's severity and context. It also doesn't explore alternative solutions or resources already available to students, which might offer a more complete picture of the situation.
False Dichotomy
The narrative presents a somewhat simplistic "us vs. them" dichotomy, portraying Jewish students as victims of antisemitism and the UAA as the sole solution. It doesn't explore potential complexities, such as internal disagreements within the Jewish community or the possibility of addressing antisemitism through collaborations with non-Jewish groups. This framing could inadvertently discourage alternative approaches or broader dialogue.
Gender Bias
The article mentions Beatie Deutsch, the UAA Program Manager, highlighting her athletic achievements and community leadership role. While this is positive, it's worth noting that gender is highlighted more explicitly for her than for any male figures mentioned. This could be unintentional but warrants attention to ensure gender-neutral profiles in future reporting.
Sustainable Development Goals
The initiative aims to combat antisemitism, promoting peace and justice within educational institutions and wider society. By providing a safe space and resources for Jewish students, it fosters inclusivity and resilience against hate speech and discrimination, contributing to stronger, more just institutions.