I have often gone through hatred for being Jewish, with people saying derogatory words. But March 1, 2024, was the day that changed me forever.

Two students at my college thought it would be a good idea to lock me in a dog cage with a blanket over it, in the bathroom. It was hard to breathe. They turned on the shower, shut off the light, and then played the Nazi Party national anthem on a speaker.

They thought it was funny.

I don’t think this type of antisemitic hatred towards the Jewish population will stop any time soon. It is difficult to feel safe in a community if you do not know what an individual may do or say, simply because they have a specific opinion or belief system. When going through this experience of feeling the constant discomfort and insecurity, how am I supposed to feel safe?

Antisemitism – documented throughout history – continues to exist today and can be experienced daily in places of education and in the workplace. A recent report from the American Jewish Committee said 2025 marked “one of the most violent years against American Jews in recent history” with many high-profile hate crimes on American soil. Ninety-one percent of American Jews say they felt less safe as a Jewish person in the United States last year compared to 2024. Antisemitism is now widespread, requiring immediate action, given the rise in violence against Jewish people living in America.

Recognizing that change does not come easily is extremely important. Through speaking up, sometimes when it feels difficult, in support of people who have been victimized, individuals can help create a safe environment for all. By remaining silent, we will continue to enable behaviors that are damaging and will be left without accountability. When individuals take a stand against such behavior, they demonstrate that such hate will not be tolerated, regardless of where it occurs in any community.

Personal experiences like mine can be used to explain larger society-based issues. I believe students need to take responsibility for situations like these that happen on college campuses. I think the student should be responsible first, and then the school should come second. However, more information on how education and social environments shape these learned behaviors would help to clarify the explanation.

The one way to prevent anti-Semitism is through education. As people gain knowledge about other cultures, traditions, and histories, they will be more likely to become understanding and respectful of those cultures. This increased awareness can help to lessen ignorance and challenge the discriminatory stereotypes that are often found within those cultures.

Anti-Semitism is not just the responsibility of schools or communities, it is everyone’s responsibility to help make sure that all individuals feel safe and valued, regardless of cultures. No person should be afraid of their actual identity. People of the Jewish faith deserve dignity, respect, and acceptance like all other people of different races and/or religions. Raising awareness, speaking out against hate, helping each other, and creating a world without discrimination to make a place where everyone feels safe and accepted should be the ultimate goal.

If no one speaks up, nothing will change; however, if everyone chooses to speak up — even in small ways — then we can create communities where no one feels they have to be ashamed of their identity.

Jacob Faigel is a student at Mitchell College.