US Universities Urged to Protect Jewish Students Ahead of Oct. 7 Anniversary

The Israeli-American Community (IAC) has sent formal letters to the presidents and administrations of over 100 U.S. academic institutions, demanding proactive measures to ensure the safety of Jewish and Israeli students on the third anniversary of the October 7th Hamas attacks. The initiative, spearheaded by the IAC's SHIELD center, comes in response to reports of anti-Israel student groups planning provocative rallies near scheduled memorial ceremonies for the anniversary.

Shagit Sadeh Attia, Director of Academic Initiatives at the IAC, emphasized that for the Jewish and Israeli communities, October 7th is primarily a day of mourning, remembrance, and trauma. The letters cite a U.S. Civil Rights Commission report from late September 2026, which unanimously determined that antisemitism on campuses is a serious civil rights issue and documented harassment and threats against Jewish students.

The IAC is requesting that university administrations ensure the secure reception of memorial ceremonies, enforce campus policies against harassment and disruption, and incorporate diverse perspectives into academic programs addressing the events. Concurrently, the IAC is distributing a commemoration guide and encouraging students to organize independent remembrance events on campuses. The organization is also leading broader community events across the United States, including candle lighting, moments of silence, and discussions with creators.