UMass Amherst Hillel leaders and students describe harassment, vandalism and exclusion on campus

Summary

Hillel’s executive director and a Jewish UMass senior testified to the commission describing vandalism, physical assaults, doxxing and social exclusion of Jewish students since Oct. 7, 2023. They said Hillel remains a primary safe space but urged stronger university support and clearer reporting pathways.

Rabbi Daniel Fine, executive director of UMass Amherst Hillel, and student leader Skye Landau told the special commission on Aug. 5 that Jewish life at the flagship state university remains resilient but that many students have experienced repeated antisemitic harassment and, in several cases, physical violence.

Rabbi Fine said Hillel serves about 1,500 students a year and noted two parallel stories: a thriving Jewish communal life and, simultaneously, a campus climate where too many Jewish students and some faculty feel targeted or unsafe. He said some incidents predate 2023 but that the Israel‑Gaza war and ensuing campus protests have “had profoundly negative impacts” for many Jewish students.

Rabbi Fine listed examples he said the Hillel Office had documented: swastika graffiti on campus buildings and dorm whiteboards; pro‑Hamas chants at a protest shortly after Oct. 7; disruption of memorials and vigil events; and several instances he described as physical assaults…

UMass Amherst Hillel leaders and students describe harassment, vandalism and exclusion on campus

Summary

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