SENDING YOU CHIZUK & RESOURCES

Dear Chabad on Campus Family,

With the current escalation of antisemitism, protests, and encampments on many campuses, the world is seeing the incredible impact your Shlichus is having on so many neshamas more than ever. Chabad Houses are full of students seeking connection and Jewish life on campus is vibrant. Chabad on Campus is clearly being seen as a safe haven for all Jewish students.

We have heard from many of you that this is a very difficult time in your Shlichus, when your students need you most, and your leadership is crucial in helping them navigate the current climate on campus.

With unity, strength, and clarity that comes from the Rebbe’s teachings, you find a way to provide leadership to the people that rely on you.

At COCI we are here to continue to support you in any way we can. You are not alone. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need support, are feeling overwhelmed, and/or could use some practical resources (see below).

Each situation is individual and each campus situation is unique. We have been in constant contact with many Shluchim and Shluchos since these protests began and we are working case-by-case to support each of you based on your specific reality. There are currently 10 campus encampments that we are actively monitoring. We are in ongoing contact with many other campus organizations as we support each other during this critically important time.

In the words of the Rebbe, our role remains the same as always but with increased urgency:

“Being a tiny minority in a hostile world, Jews have always had to work for their very survival, and this task has become even more urgent after the Holocaust which has decimated our people both physically and spiritually. Unfortunately, the attitude of the world towards us has not changed much, if at all, for the heirs and followers of the Nazis and their ilk are still rampant. Hence the greater obligation and urgency for every Jew, particularly Jews of prominence, to do all one can for the preservation of our people through fostering Jewish identity and commitment, in an active form, in everyday life; for as our Sages emphasize, “the essential thing is the deed…” – Letter and the Spirit, Volume 3, Page 225

We are organizing a network-wide webinar to provide chizuk and guidance. Please look out for details shortly.

Look out next week for more information. If you have any suggestions for resources to support you on campus, please do not hesitate to be in touch.

Wishing you and all of our dear brothers and sisters a peaceful Shabbos; with prayers for the coming of Moshiach now.

The Chabad on Campus International Team

Below are some resources immediately available to you:

ACT | Antisemitism Campus Taskforce
Many of you have been in touch with the Chabad on Campus International’s Antisemitism Task Force (ACT). Please contact Adina Waren, for legal, media, and advocacy support.

As always, please monitor and report all incidents that are brought to your attention via ACT by contacting Adina Waren.

Since October 7, ACT has assisted 202 Chabad Houses with 430 incidents, and we are here for you as you forge forward on campus!

Guidance on Response to Campus Encampments
107 and counting encampments have cropped up on campuses across the US. This document guides how to approach responding on your campus – link here.

Please reach out to ACT: Antisemitism Campus Taskforce with any questions or additional information that may be helpful to others. See more guidance on engaging with your university administration and updates for parents and community below.

Emergency Grants
Emergency grants are available to Campus Chabad Houses for any program or initiative specific to the current crisis on your campus.

Please email Adina Waren with the below information:

A) Description of the program/initiative
B) Cost and if there’s any funding available from other organizations
C) Who will be engaged, and what need the program will fill

Grants will be approved on a case-by-case basis. Questions? Contact Adina Waren.

Dialogue Pointers & Templates 

• Bullet points for the administration not being supportive – link here
  • More on planning a dialogue with your administration here
• Bullet points for administration who is supportive – link here
• Template for general updates to parents, community, donors, etc. – link here
• Bullet points for the media: message about what Chabad is doing – link here

• Notify your local/campus law enforcement about any planned protests or significant events you are planning ASAP (see more details about planning a gathering in the Toolkit on the portal). If you have not already, call your contact in the local/campus police department to notify them and ask them to provide additional patrols, especially when students will be walking to/from your Chabad House.
• Stay away from any protestors. There are Jewish groups that will attend and document to report to universities.
• Be extra vigilant and immediately call 911 for any suspicious activity/people or protestors in your area.
• Take extra precautions to ensure all points of entry to your home and Chabad House are access controlled.
• Ensure all of your lighting and cameras are in good operating order.
• If you have an immediate security risk, call 911 immediately and then call the Chabad security team at COSEM on their 24/7 hotline at 718-874-1452 or email [email protected].