Dozens of college students home on break and their parents convened at the JCC of Mid-Westchester earlier this month to address concerns about anti-Israel incidents on campuses and to network with representatives from Jewish National Fund and StandWithUs, an international organization dedicated to combating anti-Semitism and supporting pro-Israel groups.

Students & Parents Against Campus Anti-Semitism (SPACA), held a special program on June 25th at Surprise Lake Camp (SLC) in Cold Spring, NY for the staff of 150 High School seniors and college students, some coming from England, Israel and Scotland.  A well-established Federation camp, now 110 years old, generations of campers and staff enjoy their summers appreciating nature and celebrating Jewish culture and tradition.

Many people are surprised to learn that anti­‐Israel and anti‐Semitic activities have increased significantly on campuses across the country.  Often, our children are unprepared when they confront BDS, or Students for Social Justice in Palestine (SJP) for the first time, or when they hear a professor speak about Israel as the hostile aggressor, or protagonist in the Middle East.

Understanding the agendas, learning the facts, knowing your rights, and learning how to deal with anti-­Semitism on campus are all essential tools we can give our children now.