UIUC Student Government condemns antisemitism

In a momentous step towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming campus environment for Jewish students, the Illinois Student Government has passed a resolution condemning antisemitism in all its forms at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign-using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition as the basis for defining antisemitism.

The IHRA definition of antisemitism is considered the gold standard by many in the international community. The resolution highlights numerous campus issues that affect the daily lives of Jewish students, such as the Illinois Student Government hosting events on Jewish holidays, a lack of guidelines for addressing antisemitism in diversity trainings, and the Jewish community being one of the few minority communities without a recognized cultural house.

“Over the course of my time at the University of Illinois, I’ve been keenly aware of the antisemitism that Jewish students experience on a regular basis,” said Student Body President Garrett Forrest. “I remember stories of the Israeli flag being egged at a Jewish house; I’ve heard of the pain of Jewish students when they’ve been targeted for wearing a kippah or a Star of David; and I was there at Hillel when the rock was thrown.

“Antisemitism on this campus is real; it poses a real danger to Jewish students, and so it’s important that as Student Government we advocate for and represent these students that feel so unsafe and unwelcome on our campus,” Forrest said.

The lead-up to the passing of the resolution included over two hours of heated debate, with multiple Jewish and non-Jewish students making public comments in support of the resolution and emphasizing its importance. In the end, the resolution passed overwhelmingly, with 15 in favor and only one opposed.

“This resolution is a key and major step in representing Jewish students and making sure we are taking action in making our campus a safer place, where they don’t feel attacked for their identity or feel they have to cover up,” Forrest said. “I hope that the university will work alongside Student Government and the Jewish community going forward to make our campus safer.”

University administration applauded the passage of the resolution, and expressed a commitment to holding diversity trainings to address antisemitism on campus. “I am in full support of the ISG efforts to condemn antisemitism in all its forms,” said UIUC Chancellor Robert Jones. University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen echoed Jones’ sentiment. “The ISG in this situation has provided a powerful example of working to create and maintain the type of welcoming community we aspire to provide for all of our students.”

The resolution marks a significant departure from frequent antisemitic activity in recent years at the university. In the past seven years, UIUC students have faced five Student Government resolutions and referendums calling for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel.

The resolution is a welcome change, according to Hillels of Illinois leadership. “The students showed remarkable leadership in standing up for themselves and the Jewish community,” said Emily Briskman, Executive Director of the Hillels of Illinois. “This is an incredible accomplishment. We hope this resolution signals that antisemitism has no place at the university. There are so many wonderful academic and Jewish experiential opportunities at UIUC, effectively combatting antisemitism allows for even greater realization of those opportunities.”

“I am so proud of everyone who worked so hard to get this done, and I am looking forward to the next steps in making this campus a safer environment for Jews,” said Anna Warshay, President of Illinois Students Supporting Israel. “The times of feeling silenced at this university are ending. The times of speaking up and conducting change are starting.”

Yogev Ben Yitschak is Director of Engagement for JUF’s Israel Education Center.