This past Monday, April 15, I embarked on a long journey from my Paramount dorm to Piano Row for what was meant to be a relaxing trip to The Max for my daily grilled cheese and curly fries. To my immense disappointment, I was interrupted by a text from a fellow Hillel board member, alerting us of an alarming new group currently synthesizing on campus: Emerson’s Jews Against Zionism (JAZ).
JAZ claims to be a group of “self loving Jews”; however, one of their main missions is the eradication of Hillel on Emerson’s campus.
Hillel stands as the only Jewish organization on campus, providing Jewish students with the resources needed to live a fulfilling Jewish life, whether it be religious programming, kosher food, or simply a space to feel safe and heard in. By calling for the removal of Hillel, these so-called “self-loving Jews” are calling for the removal of safe spaces for the Jewish students who need it most.
Since Oct. 7, Hillel has held numerous formal, as well as informal, impromptu gatherings to talk about our feelings and sadness, to comfort one another, and to mourn as a family. We have also held a number of fun, community-building activities like hamantaschen and challah baking, arts and crafts, and many others. We have built a strong community full of diverse individuals, different perspectives, and ranging ideas, but at the end of the day we come together as the Jewish community of Emerson, and as friends.
JAZ’s call for Hillel to be removed from campus has weighed heavily on all of our community members. Many students have found comfort in Hillel during these horrific times. The fact that some of our peers are not only okay with, but are championing the removal of this space is disheartening, and frankly embarrassing. JAZ promotes extreme points of view that leave no space for different perspectives, and instead of welcoming an open conversation, immediately calls for the excommunication of those who may hold different beliefs. Judaism is a vastly diverse religion and ethnicity. No progressive self-loving Jew would call for the destruction of a Jewish community for having differing opinions.
What’s even more concerning is the support that these groups are receiving from staff of Emerson’s Center for Spiritual Life. It is heartbreaking that a religious organization no longer feels welcome at the one space on campus dedicated to religious and spiritual gatherings. Additionally, JAZ and its supporters call for the removal of our Jewish chaplain and Hillel advisor, a figure who has provided such great support to Jewish students over the past school year.
Instead of recognizing the fear and hostility they are perpetrating, they choose to ignore it altogether and block the social media accounts of those brave enough to speak up. It is scary to see how many people want us gone, but one thing must be made clear: no amount of pressure from JAZ, or any other students/groups, will get rid of Hillel. In fact, the more traction their harmful posts gain, the stronger our Hillel community grows.
I look forward to our final events of this semester, including a seder, a movie night, and a falafel dinner & conversation, as well as our events next fall when we get back together for the next school year!
As Pesach approaches, I hope that our Jewish community is able to reflect on our long and grievous yet beautiful and inspiring history, and, despite the ongoing hatred and threats we receive, continue to be proud of who we are. To any Jewish student who may feel afraid, lonely, or if you just want to hang out and enjoy a free cheese boureka, Hillel is always here for you.
Ari Willis, Class of 2025
Emerson College Hillel VP