This article is part of Unpacked’s Gen Z Voices series, which highlights our readers’ experiences on campus or as recent graduates, cultural commentaries, and reflections on what it means to be Jewish today. Learn how to submit here.
This article was originally published in March 2024.
As a Jewish college student, I can attest that life has been tough since Oct. 7. We’re constantly dodging protests on campus, finding ourselves educating others without actually wanting to, and speaking up for ourselves, only to be ignored by people and institutions that should know better.
Unfortunately, virtually all of us share these experiences. A recent Anti-Defamation League (ADL) study found that 73% of Jewish college students have experienced antisemitism since the beginning of this school year.
The Oct. 7 attacks and their repercussions for antisemitism on college campuses have led to two equal and opposite reactions.
The Oct. 7 attacks and their repercussions for antisemitism on college campuses have led to two equal and opposite reactions.
On one hand, the situation has led many to distance themselves from Judaism or stop openly practicing it. The number of students who feel comfortable with others knowing they are Jewish has dropped by half since Oct. 7, according to the ADL. Concealing outward signs of our faith might reduce the likelihood of facing antisemitism, but it also means hiding a crucial part of our identity.
On the other hand, many students are reacting in the opposite way and are embracing their Jewish identity more openly (and I don’t just mean by going to Chabad every weekend).
Since Oct. 7, Magen David necklace sales have skyrocketed in the United States and United Kingdom. Even those who previously didn’t feel a strong connection to Judaism or who don’t normally wear Jewish jewelry are now wearing Star of David necklaces as a symbol of their faith and identity.
I can relate to both reactions to the current situation. In fact, I recently shifted my perspective from the first “camp” to the second, and now proudly wear a Magen David every day. Here’s why I now choose to wear one at my school and how openly displaying my Jewish pride has impacted me.
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Wearing my Magen David helps me stand strong amidst antisemitism.
I’ve always leaned more towards the cultural aspects of Judaism rather than the religious ones. I don’t attend synagogue or keep kosher, and I’ve never been one to openly display my Jewish identity.
In the first few months following Oct. 7, this mindset remained consistent. I was grateful that I don’t visibly “look Jewish,” and thought that wearing a Magen David was akin to taping a target to my chest.
I had heard numerous stories of students facing antisemitic comments and actions simply for being openly Jewish, and concluded that wearing a Star of David would increase my chances of encountering such hostility, which would be detrimental to anyone’s mental health.
However, losing a friend to antisemitism has shifted my perspective. This experience made me realize that in many cases, what I say or wear can’t prevent antisemitism from happening. I’ve realized that it’s those who feel threatened by my Judaism who should be ashamed, not me.
Living in fear of publicizing my Judaism was only compounding my distress. Reflecting on the loss of this friend, I’ve learned that I shouldn’t feel scared or embarrassed to be Jewish — on the contrary, I should feel proud.
Losing a friend to antisemitism made me realize that in many cases, what I say or wear can’t prevent antisemitism from happening. I shouldn’t feel scared or embarrassed to be Jewish — on the contrary, I should feel proud.
Read more: Lost a friend to antisemitism during the Israel-Hamas War? Here’s what you should know.
Wearing a Magen David constantly reminds me of and reinforces my Jewish pride.
Wearing a Magen David reminds me of the positive aspects of being Jewish and how it has shaped me.
I’m proud to be part of a culture that encourages charity and generosity (tzedakah), and one that holds family and community as core values. I’m proud of my ancestors who overcame tremendous adversity and worked hard to create a better future.
By wearing a Magen David, I connect with these positive sentiments, but I’m ensuring that antisemitic individuals don’t win. Hamas supporters and antisemites want us to hide our Jewish identity and make us feel afraid — so why would I comply with this ideal by hiding my Judaism from the public?
When I wear a Magen David, I’m flipping the narrative and standing strong in the face of hate, proclaiming that I’m proud to be Jewish. If my decision to embrace my Jewish identity makes someone uncomfortable, I hope it prompts them to question and reconsider their beliefs.
If my decision to embrace my Jewish identity makes someone uncomfortable, I hope it prompts them to question and reconsider their beliefs.
Since I started wearing a Magen David necklace, I’ve felt more empowered in the face of antisemitism than ever before. Whenever I encounter an antisemitic incident or individual, my Magen David connects me to my roots and reminds me of the importance of Judaism in my identity. It helps me stay resilient and stand firmly against hate at all times.
So far, my Magen David hasn’t made me the victim of any additional antisemitic comments. This is surprising, because I know many other students have experienced this (it may also be because my necklace is pretty small).
But aside from a few more weirded-out looks from strangers and acquaintances, all my necklace-related interactions have been positive. Above all, embracing my identity and feeling more at peace emotionally are more important than antisemitic microaggressions.
Aside from a few more weirded-out looks from strangers and acquaintances, all my necklace-related interactions have been positive.
Oct. 7 has led to unity among Jewish students around the world
Choosing to wear a Magen David has had effects beyond just myself; it also impacted my connections with others. Since purchasing my necklace, I’ve opened up with more Jewish students on my campus who also wear them.
Seeing their Magen Davids is comforting and signals a shared understanding, even if we don’t know each other personally. If wearing my Magen David can subtly remind another distressed Jewish student that they’re not alone, that’s a step worth taking in my eyes.
Oct. 7 was a horrible and tragic day that led to a surge in antisemitism and fear for many Jews, particularly university students, globally. But it also motivated people like me to own their Jewish pride and display strength in adversity.
I’ve never felt a stronger tie to my Jewish friends and family, and I know I’m not alone in this. Jewish communities worldwide are coming together to support each other in various ways — through meaningful conversation, songs, prayers, community, and of course, meals.
I’ve never felt a stronger tie to my Jewish friends and family, and I know I’m not alone in this.
Previously a more divided and bifurcated community, Jewish individuals with diverse beliefs and backgrounds have united to embrace their Judaism in an unprecedented way. People like me, who previously felt distant from Judaism, now wear Magen Davids as symbols of pride and strength. From a horrific and tragic event emerged a more supportive and unified Jewish community.
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Originally Published Oct 6, 2024 02:50AM EDT
