Universities should be places where people can ask difficult questions, hear different views and be open about who they are. But for many Jewish students, faculty and staff, that has become harder.
That was at the heart of Openly Jewish: TMU’s Special Symposium on Antisemitism at Canadian Universities, held October 20 at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).
More than 150 people from across Canada came together to talk honestly about antisemitism on campus and, just as importantly, what can be done about it. Students, faculty, staff, university leaders, Jewish organizations and public-sector partners were all part of the conversation.
The symposium was organized by TMJew, a faculty-led group at TMU, in partnership with Hillel Ontario. UJA sponsored 50 students to attend at no cost, helping ensure student voices were part of the day.
The conversations were difficult, but also hopeful. People shared what they are experiencing, what is working, and how we can move forward together.
Recognizing Antisemitism
One message was clear: we cannot address antisemitism if we do not recognize and name it.
Participants explored how to distinguish legitimate political criticism, academic debate and respectful disagreement from discrimination, exclusion, harassment or unequal treatment of Jewish students. The question is not whether difficult or controversial ideas can be discussed, but when conduct crosses the line into antisemitism.
Exclusion can also happen through what is missing. Participants shared examples of Jewish or Israeli perspectives being left out of academic discussions, limiting the range of views students hear.
Universities need to look closely at their policies, including EDI policies. Jewish experiences must be recognized, protections applied fairly and antisemitism addressed when it occurs. At the same time, campuses should remain places for open discussion, critical thinking and respectful disagreement.
The Power of Community
The day also offered reasons for hope. Across campuses, people are coming together rather than facing these challenges alone.
Students are finding community through Hillel Ontario and other Jewish campus organizations. Many are also stepping into leadership roles.
Faculty are building connections too. Dr. Cary Kogan cofounded the Network of Engaged Canadian Academics (NECA), which connects more than 400 Jewish and non-Jewish faculty across 52 Canadian campuses to counter antisemitism and support open discussion.
At the University of Toronto, student Lir Josefson founded Evneh, U of T’s first undergraduate Jewish studies journal. It gives students a place to explore Jewish identity, history and culture.
“There was a need for more opportunities for Jewish students...to articulate what Judaism means to them, in their own words,” Josefson said. Link to Evneh
Josefson said the support she received from the Anne Tanenbaum Centre for Jewish Studies, Hillel U of T, university administration, fellow students and colleagues on campus, and other Jewish organizations helped make the journal possible. It is a powerful example of what can happen when students have a community behind them and the space and support to turn an idea into action.
What Comes Next?
Three practical ideas emerged from the day.
First, universities need to recognize and address antisemitism in all its forms, while protecting space for legitimate political criticism, academic debate and respectful disagreement. The distinction matters: disagreement is part of university life; exclusion, harassment and unequal treatment require action. Clear policies help institutions respond fairly and consistently, while helping students and families understand their rights and where to turn for support.
Second, leadership matters. When antisemitism or exclusion occurs, university leaders need to respond clearly, set expectations, and ensure accountability. Alumni, faculty and community members can also support student advocacy, raise concerns with decision-makers and encourage institutions to follow through on their commitments.
Third, we need to keep building community. Support from Hillel, Jewish organizations, university administration, colleagues and other partners can help students feel less alone and more empowered to take action. Gatherings like this symposium also create opportunities to bring people together, share ideas, and work toward solutions. These conversations can strengthen connections and help build a stronger Jewish community on campus.
The challenges are serious. But bringing people together to listen, learn and act also offers hope. The goals are: campuses where antisemitism has no place, institutions protect students’ freedom to participate openly as themselves, and students have the support to build initiatives, communities and spaces where Jewish life can thrive.
To learn more about the symposium or access recordings, contact TMJew at [email protected].