Students and faculty members of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton have pledged to combat antisemitism and all forms of hate.
Due to the number of antisemitic and hate-fueled incidents that have taken place locally, nationally and globally, including on college campuses, Hillel of FAU created the Spread Cream Cheese, Not Hate pledge that has generated more than 350 signatures from the university’s staff and students.
The pledge reads, “I commit to combat antisemitism and all forms of hate. I join with my fellow Owls [FAU school mascot] to ensure that FAU and my community is a welcoming and safe place for all.”
Adam Kolett, executive director for Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach which serves college campuses in South Florida, including FAU, said, “With antisemitism on the rise, those of us who educate the next generation have two choices – we can build proud and committed leaders or we can wait to see if things improve on their own.”
“History has made it clear to the Jewish community that we must stand strongly against antisemitism and all forms of hate, and education is our strongest tool,” Kolett continued.
FAU students and faculty members who signed the pledge were provided with a t-shirt that featured an anti-hate message and bagel during a giveaway event on campus.
Kolett said, regarding the giveaways event, “Students were overwhelmingly supportive of the initiative and excited to participate.”
“Many did not want the t-shirt or bagel. They simply wanted to be a part of a campaign that they saw as important,” he continued. “Plenty of participants did not know what antisemitism was and were happy to learn and engage in conversation.”
Kolett said that dozens of student volunteers, both Jewish and allies, fanned out across campus to support the campaign.
“Students shared their perspectives and engaged in meaningful dialogue about a failure in our society that they are passionate about,” he noted. “They want to change the world and understand that every positive action can make a difference.”
Lila Hruby, a sophomore at FAU who is involved with Hillel on campus, said she was happy with the turnout at the Spread Cream Cheese, Not Hate event.
“Towards the end, one of the leaders of the event showed me how many signatures we got, and that was amazing to see,” Hruby sad. “Not even halfway through, we ran out of t-shirts. We actually had to order 100 more bagels because we had such a positive turnout. It was very exciting.”
Hruby also said, “It was surprising to see how many students kept coming up to us, asking questions and trying to find out what we were doing.”
“I don’t even know what their religion was,” she continued. “It was really cool to see all of their support. I’ve never been involved in an activity like this with Hillel, so that was a positive experience for me.”
Raya Levine, another FAU student who is also involved with Hillel, said, “It definitely was amazing to see the amount of support we got and how people didn’t hesitate to sign.”
“It was really touching to see that so many in our campus community care,” she continued.
Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach also serves Lynn University, Nova Southeastern University, Broward College and Palm Beach State College.
When asked if the Hillel is planning to something similar in the other campuses it serves, Kolett responded, “Our Hillel believes deeply in supporting students efforts to engage their campus community in issues that are relevant to our mission.”
“We will always encourage and stand by our students as they engage with others about antisemitism, Israel, and making the world a better place,” he continued.
Visit hillelcenter.org for more information on the pledge and organization
