Support for Jewish students in face of hate group

The University of Central Florida has been relatively antisemitism-free for many years. Under the leadership of Aaron Weil, Central Florida Hillel had kept any antisemitic groups from making much of a roar on campus. Under the current leadership at Hillel, much is the same – even when on Monday, Feb. 6, members of the #YeIsRight movement set up a table on Memory Mall as part of an antsemitic provocation tour. This group, which mouths the hate talk of Kanye West, has made several previous stops at other Florida universities, including Florida State University and the University of Florida.

Hillel was prepared and coordinated with Hillel International, the Secure Community Network and the ADL.

Early in the day of Feb. 6, the Central Florida Hillel Student Board met with UCF PD, UCF Ginsburg Center for Inclusion and Community Engagement, and UCF Student Government to plan a coordinated response to the hate group and for the university to share their support directly with the student leaders.

In the midst of the hate group’s table, Central Florida Hillel hosted its largest program of the year – the second annual Israel Block Party — on Memory Mall in the center of campus.

“Central Florida Hillel condemns the spread of antisemitic rhetoric and conspiracy theories, and I am so proud of our students who did not engage with this hate group, thereby denying them the oxygen they so desperately wanted,” said Hunter Gold, executive director, Central Florida Hillel.

He continued, “Central Florida Hillel will always be a second home for Jewish students on campus, and our staff is available to support and empower our students. Antisemitism and hate have no place at the University of Central Florida, and we will never stop showing our pride in being Jewish. Our doors are open for all students seeking a place to express their thoughts or gather in the community.”

Also strongly supporting the Jewish students on campus is Rabbi Chaim and Rivkie Lipskier of Chabad at UCF. Upon the arrival of the hate group, Rabbi Lipskier promptly sent out emails to all UCF students, parents, alumni and Orlando area residents.

“We are living in very uncertain times and antisemitic and hate incidents can happen any time. We are bringing this to your attention, not to scare or alarm you, but to make you aware of the resources that are available and action that should be taken,” Rabbi Lipskier said in the community email.

See something, say something

Rabbi Lipskier shared important steps to follow to thwart antisemitic acts.

1) Always be aware of your surroundings and take notice of anything suspicious or out of the norm.

2) When possible, always try to be with other friends, neighbors or acquaintances, especially during the evening and night time hours.

3) If you see something in any way out of place or strange, say something!

If you ever feel that you are in danger, your safety is threatened or you are a victim or experience any hate, bias, violence or antisemitic attacks or incidents:

A) Immediately call 911 and report any and all incident to UCF Police or Orange County Sheriff.

B) If any incident happened or happens on the UCF or Valencia campuses, report it to the UCF Police and Student Affairs Office immediately.

C) If any incident happens at a housing/apartment living complex, report it to the housing complex administrative office.