Antisemitism has no place on our campus. Antisemitism has no place in our world.

“In February, I volunteered at ‘Spread Cream Cheese, Not Hate’, a campus event organized by Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach to raise awareness about antisemitism and other forms of hate. Alongside Hillel students and professionals, I asked members of our community to sign a pledge to combat antisemitism, and in return, gave out fresh bagels and cream cheese.

“We had a lot of foot traffic; it was really, really amazing to see. So many students visited our tent to learn about antisemitism and other forms of hate. I remember feeling a bit shocked when one student asked me, ‘What is antisemitism?’ As a Jew, I felt I had a responsibility to educate them.

“Being able to have conversations and raise awareness about antisemitism was really rewarding. In just two hours, more than 350 students from all backgrounds banded together to denounce hate. This event was a small but necessary step in showing that antisemitism has no place on our campus. Antisemitism has no place in our world. — Jamie Cherkis, Florida Atlantic University

As told to Emma Lichtenstein, writer for the Hillel International Writers Program. Spread Cream Cheese, Not Hate was founded by University of Florida Hillel in January 2020.