Unpacking Campus Antisemitism: Insights and Realities
Join Sarah Hurwitz, AJU Public Fellow, author of Here All Along, and former White House speechwriter, and Jon Falk of Hillel International as they discuss campus antisemitism in the new school year. As incidents of antisemitism continue to rise on college campuses nationwide, students and universities are grappling with how to foster safer, more inclusive environments. Hurwitz and Falk will unpack the complexities of this issue, exploring real-world experiences, institutional responses, and the role of advocacy in combating hatred.
Sarah Hurwitz is the author of Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life–In Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There), which was a finalist for two National Jewish Book Awards and for the Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature. From 2009 to 2017, Hurwitz served as a White House speechwriter, for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. During the 2008 presidential campaign, Hurwitz was the chief speechwriter for Hillary Clinton. Hurwitz was named by The Forward as one of 50 Jews who impacted American life in 2016 and 2019. Hurwitz is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School.
Jon Falk serves as the Vice President of Hillel International’s Israel Action and Addressing Antisemitism Program. Falk’s team provides tools to Hillels to effectively respond to anti-Israel activities, combat antisemitic incidents, and counter BDS campaigns, all while promoting Israel through education, celebration, and advocacy across North America. His passion for Israel and combatting antisemitism has led him to significant roles at Johns Hopkins Hillel, AIPAC, and the Israel on Campus Coalition. Jon holds a B.A. from Muhlenberg College and an MPA from the University of Baltimore.