As I walk to my job at Hillel on campus, I see an approaching group of students: wrapped in keffiyehs, chanting, and waving Palestinian flags. In the aftermath of the October 7th Hamas terrorist attacks, tormenting and menacing has persisted for Jewish students across campus. Student groups have seemingly justified terrorism, leaving Jewish students exposed to intimidation and hostility. As Jews walk across graffiti-covered sidewalks on the way to the study at the library they see comparisons of Zionism to genocide.
I have become cautious in many instances. While the community is rich and flourishes with care for one another and support, I’ve tucked my Star of David necklace in public places and checked twice for security at Jewish events. This month, I anxiously shifted in my seat at the auditorium as Tzipi Livni, the Former Foreign Minister and Vice Prime Minister of Israel was yelled at by audience members who called her a “war criminal.” The pro-Palestinean students left shortly thereafter, entirely dismissing anything the panel had to share and shutting down their opinions instantly, even though Dr. Salam Fayyad, the Former Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority was there.
Nonetheless, Cornell Jewish life feels stronger than ever. I entered Cornell as a freshman, longing for a community I instantly found at Shabbat dinner. I’ve raised money for my Jewish sorority’s philanthropic endeavors, connected with peers braiding challah, co-led a Passover seder at Hillel’s “Super Seder,” said Kiddush at Chabad, and birthed new traditions lighting candles in our collegetown apartment as the sun sets over campus on Friday nights. The variety of Judaism at Cornell is vast, given the large population of Jewish students and array of campus Rabbis, and I’ve grown to tailor religion and curate a vibrant experience amongst my peers, despite the hatred that exists. Though the challenges are undeniable, the strength of the Jewish community at Cornell offers a reminder of resilience and endless opportunity.
Image Source: https://cornell.medium.com/what-truly-makes-cornell-unique-6ce9ad14b09e
