BU Hillel Response to Antisemitic Graffiti Being Investigated as Hate Crime

Dear BU Hillel community,

As BU Today reported today, an act of antisemitic vandalism occurred on the BU Hillel building this past week, leaving our community shaken and disheartened. We are grateful for the swift response from BU, BU Police, and the Suffolk County District Attorney. This horrific act is being investigated as a religious hate crime.

Many of our Jewish students are nervous and scared for their physical safety. Numerous students have been victims of antisemitic language, social media bullying, singling out in the classroom and in student groups, and being ostracized socially.

Jews are less than 2% of the population in the United States. Before October 7, attacks against Jews represented 50% of religious hate crimes. Since October 7, attacks against Jews have quadrupled. Unfortunately, college campuses are a main battleground for antisemitism and anti-Israel activity.

While so many students feel alone, BU Hillel is steadfast in our support for our Jewish students and in support of Israel. Our Fighting Antisemitism and Supporting Israel In Crisis Campus Plan shared previously has heightened our urgency and concentrated our focus. These initiatives are crucial to ensuring our Jewish Terriers are safe and supported on campus, and have the tools to stand up for themselves and for each other.

The BU Hillel Fighting Antisemitism and Supporting Israel In Crisis Campus Plan addresses the heightened need to combat hate and antisemitism, and support Israel’s right to exist and defend itself. The following are our five main priorities:

  1. Protecting the physical safety of our students and staff.
  2. Taking care of the psychological and emotional well-being of students, especially students who experience anti-Jewish hatred, harassment, and ostracism.
  3. Standing up for Israel, especially its right to defend itself against terrorism and to safely bring back hostages.
  4. Urging BU to show support for Jewish students, faculty, and staff by fighting antisemitism on campus.
  5. Documenting and reporting instances of antisemitism.

As Elie Wiesel, Nobel Prize Winner and BU Professor for 40 years, said: “The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it’s indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it’s indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it’s indifference.” We will continue to stand up, fight hate, support Israel and our Jewish students and not be indifferent.

As so many Israelis are saying to each other every day, B’yachad N’natzeach, “Together we will win.”

Rabbi Jevin Eagle

Executive Director and University Chaplain

Ethan Sobel

Managing Director

As you can imagine, we are in need of additional financial support to address all of our urgent needs — security, advocacy, education, and mental health. Many thanks to the Shiff family who has contributed $100k as matching funds for all money raised to support our Fighting Antisemitism and Israel in Crisis plan.
Double your gift to support Jewish Terriers

Educational Resources

BU Hillel Statement, Rallies, and Vigils

Fighting Antisemitism and Supporting Israel in Crisis Campus Plan