Vermont students have seen a marked increase of antisemitic activity on our college campuses. Here are some immediate ways you can help Jewish students at the University of Vermont and throughout the state…
- Bake something awesome! Seriously; we have hundreds of students through Hillel each week. Baking something helps us provide a warm welcome for each student who walks through the door. Please no cinnamon (severe allergy on staff) and label all ingredients. You can drop off at Hillel between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. most days.
- Write something heartfelt! You should have seen the emotions welling forth from the students who read the kind notes that have been sent so far. Just something saying you’re thinking about them and are there for them means so much. Send letters to UVM Hillel, 439 College Street, Burlington VT 05401.
- Donate something generous! Hillel and Chabad are short-staffed and under-resourced for the 2,000-plus Jewish students at UVM. www.uvmhillel.org/donate or DM me for the Chabad contact info. Your gift will support security, safety, and comfort during a time where it’s most needed.
- Write someone today! Email provost@uvm.edu and president@uvm.edu and let them know that antisemitism on campus is unacceptable. Write our Vermont congressional delegation and let them know as well. Place an op-ed. Your words count; we need more voices speaking out in support of Jewish students.
- Share this op-ed. Jewish students, their friends, and allies need you. They need your love and support and they need to know you have their backs.
Hatred and antisemitism have no place on campus or in our state. Thank you for supporting a thriving Jewish life at UVM!
Matt Vogel
Executive director of Burack Hillel at the University of Vermont
