Exclusive QJL Interview
This writer interviewed a fourth-year Jewish student at the University of Virginia. He shared his experience from this past school year.
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Right after October 7 happened, I thought there would be an outpouring of support from friends. I was surprised to see posts that said, “From the River to the Sea” and support for Hamas. How could people show support for such a horrible thing?
Supposed “friends” who posted such things are no longer my friends. I realized they actually don’t want me to be alive.
I live in a house that includes mostly Jewish students. There are 11 students in the house and eight are Jewish. On Chanukah, we discussed what to do about lighting a menorah in the window. One parent told his son not to do it. They were worried that it was dangerous to call attention to the fact that we were Jewish.
We did it anyway. We lit three menorahs in the window. “We did it because we wanted to show pride in being Jewish.” [See photo.] Later, after Chanukah, a Jewish student stopped me and said, “Are you the ones who lit the menorah in the window? I passed it every day and it made me so happy to see it. Thank you.”
Since all the protests and all, it’s different on campus. This is my second year at UVA. My first year was nothing like this.
Now, I feel uncomfortable saying my last name in class, as it sounds like a Jewish last name. I feel self-conscious as I don’t know what the other students will think.
There is positive support from the administration. The president of the university, Jim Ryan, showed his support. Below is an email he sent out after October 7.
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From: James E. Ryan, President <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2023 10:17 AM
To the UVA community:
Since Hamas launched the brutal terrorist attacks on Israel on Saturday, it has been heartbreaking to learn of the devastation and sorrow wrought by what can only be described as atrocities in a region that has experienced far too many of them in its history. There can be no justification for, and we must condemn, the actions of Hamas and the horrific violence that has taken place against civilians, including children. Sadly, the terrible war it has provoked will undoubtedly mean that more innocent lives will be lost. Like so many others, I fervently hope for a swift end to the violence.
At UVA, we remain squarely focused on the well-being of UVA community members in Israel and in Gaza, as well as those closer to home who have family or friends in the region, or who are connected to the region by virtue of their faith. I am grateful to our teams in International Studies and the Vice Provost’s Office for Global Affairs, who have been in communication with those known to be traveling in or to the area; thankfully, we can report that those individuals are safe at this time.
We have also reached out directly to international students who call the region home. The Office of Student Affairs quickly reached out to students with a message of support and reminding them about available resources. To that end, if you or someone you know needs assistance in coping with difficult circumstances, please don’t hesitate to contact the Office of Student Affairs or our CAPS team for support. Employees in need of support should reach out to FEAP.
We also intend to leverage the expertise of our faculty and staff to advance our understanding of these events and the history that led to them, consistent with our mission as a public institution of higher education. Schools and departments across the University are planning events that will help to shed light on this conflict.
There is no question that this attack and its aftermath have stirred deep emotions within this community, including sadness, fear, grief, and anger. They have also stoked division and rancor around the world along familiar lines of religion and ideology. I trust that we as a community can and will adhere to UVA’s longstanding tradition of not just allowing free speech but promoting civil discourse, even when – perhaps especially when – we strongly disagree.
Each individual in our community is processing these events in their own way, and many are suffering deeply. Asking how we can help, and remembering that we are all here for the purpose of seeking the truth, are useful touchstones for us to support those who are struggling. I have seen our community rise, with strength and grace, to meet challenges we never would have chosen to face. This is another one of those challenges, and I have great faith in this community to build bridges, listen generously, and act with compassion as we work toward a more just and peaceful world.
Finally, on a personal note, I am sorry to be a little slow in reaching out to our community. Someone very dear to me is dying, and that has occupied a good deal of my time, my attention, and my heart. But it has also reminded me of the sacredness of every life, which in turn makes me even more keenly aware of the basic cruelty and tragedy of innocent lives cut short by events and forces beyond their control. My first and last thoughts on all of this will be about them.
Best,
Jim
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During Passover, Jim Ryan came to the Hillel and sat down at one of our meals with us. During finals in May, there were encampments on campus. I kept receiving alerts not to go to this specific area or that area. These encampments were composed of random people who came to stir up the students to get them to protest. It was hard to focus on finals with all this going on. It felt so weird like because I was Jewish there were people protesting against me. In the library there were a lot of pro-Palestinian posters and materials about them. I wanted to remove it, but I was nervous about doing so. I didn’t want to be on anyone’s radar.
When I was running toward the Beta Bridge (a bridge where students are free to paint what they want on it), a disturbing message was painted there. Someone had painted over the memorial that had been painted there for three UVA students who were shot two years ago. In red paint [see photo], it said “Genocide Jim,” referring to the president of the university.
There were balloons at the Hillel with hostages’ names, and police had to be there to guard them. It’s crazy that they needed police protection for this.
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When asked about what Jewish students can do, this UVA student suggested that Jewish students need to support each other. It’s important to say you are Jewish and be proud and not to hide it.
By Susie Garber
