The Power of Jewish Moms mothers against college antisemitism

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 By Shirley Nigri Farber

 (Exclusive for Shalom Magazine www.ShalomMA.com)  

In a climate where antisemitism and violence have been on the rise, particularly at pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses, a dedicated group known as Mothers Against College Antisemitism (MACA) has emerged on Facebook. Late October, in just over a week, this group has attracted 42,000 members, including mothers from all over the country, some of whom aren’t even Jewish. The group also includes fathers, teachers, and representatives from Hillel and Chabad organizations on campus. 

Founded by Elizabeth Rand, an attorney from New York, MACA has already appointed 27 moderators and 57 lawyers, with plans to transition into a non-profit organization to raise funds for their cause. One of their primary objectives is to gather information on incidents on campus and potentially sue schools that fail to protect Jewish students from antisemitism.

Members of MACA have shared their experiences about campus life and encountering of pro-Palestinian protests. Many argue that the primary concern is the safety of Jewish students, as they should be able to focus on their studies without fear of discrimination or intimidation.

The group has reported incidents from various locations across the country, shared photos and discussed outcomes. As seen on the news, UMass Amherst student Dylan Jacobs recounted an unsettling incident in which he was physically assaulted by a Pro-Palestinian protester. Jacobs explained that he was punched and kicked while holding an Israeli flag. The accused student involved in the assault was charged and banned from returning to campus, but Jacobs still expresses concerns about his safety.

Some universities have taken actions to address these issues by sending out letters in which they pledge to protect students and combat discrimination. However, there are instances where the student body’s approach differs from that of the school leadership. Notably, Brandeis University recently made the decision to shut down their chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine because the student group openly supports Hamas. Columbia University has suspended SJP and Jewish Voice for Peace for violating school policies.

Aside from addressing pro-Palestine protests and incidents like the tearing down of posters of kidnapped Israelis, MACA members have also raised concerns about the university’s handling of incidents and even questioned the campus police effectiveness in protecting students.

For the MACA group, one immediate action they advocate is withholding donations to schools until they demonstrate through tangible actions that Jewish students will be safe and free from discrimination. Some are calling to direct their donations to Hillel and Chabad on campus. Members express concern about chants like “From the river to the sea” that call for the elimination of Jewish people from the Land of Israel, as such expressions can be deeply distressing to Jewish individuals. MACA is also a forum where mothers with kids in high school are debating which campus will be safer to send a Jewish student. For now, some parents are asking students to hide their Jewish identity, avoid wearing a Star of David or holding an Israeli Flag. We will have to wait and see how those actions will affect schools and students’ choices.

Photos from MACA Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/656718683235049 

Journalist Shirley Nigri Farber is the editor and publisher of Shalom Magazine www.ShalomMA.com