#OWNYOURSTAR: Hillel International Campaign takes Elon
Nobody deserves to feel unsafe in this world. Hillel international is currently spearheading a campaign called #OwnYourStar with the mission of confronting rising antisemitism on campus and social media.
The social media campaign running from October 12 – November 5 encourages students to own their Judaism publicly with the support of their campus Hillel. Students at many universities have started to take part in the campaign including our very own Elon Hillel. The goal is to have every Hillel participant spreading the message that antisemitism directed toward Jewish students has no place on campus or online.
The action for this campaign is simple: share your pride in your Judaism by taking a photo of yourself wearing a Chai or Star of David and post it on your own Instagram accounts!
According to ownyourstar.hillel.org, “For nearly 2,000 years, the Star of David has been a proud symbol of Jewish heritage. But it has also been used to terrorize the Jewish community and spread hate. And antisemitism is rising again. Over the past decade, antisemitic incidents on college campuses have tripled. That’s not okay,”
The campaign encourages participants to share why they are proud to be Jewish, some of these stars are our very own Elon students: Ian Myers ‘23, Ilana Lefkowitz ‘23, Hana Hofeld ‘22, Olivia Kogan ‘24, and more.
Director of Jewish life Betsy Polk recently said to Today At Elon, “we’re in a climate where there’s a lot going on around us, and there’s been an increase in antisemitism nationally. I think that Elon is thoughtful and strategic about being in front of things and making sure that when things do happen, we are in a position of knowing how to address them.’’
Why are you proud to be Jewish?
Ian Myers ‘23 – “I am proud to be Jewish because it connects to my family and has given me a community I’m proud to be part of.’’
Amit Melchoir, Israel Fellow – “I am proud to be Jewish because it's being a part of a greater community where I share rich history, values, and traditions with others. Judaism shaped and is still shaping me and keeps me in a state of amazement and wonder.”
Hana Hofeld ‘22 – “I got a tattoo of the Star of David to remind me of all of the blessings and opportunities being Jewish has given me. It also serves as a reminder each day that I get to have and wear the Star of David proudly when it hasn’t always been that way.’’
Noah Levine ‘23 – “I’m proud to be Jewish because it gives me a sense of community and belonging (the great food we have helps too!).”
Hillary Zaken, Assistant Director of Jewish Life – “There is no one way to be Jewish, and I #ownmystar to inspire others to be proud of their Judaism, to always stand up against antisemitism, and to joyfully celebrate Judaism in a way that is personally meaningful. I am proud to be Jewish, to be Israeli-American, to work for Hillel – and I own my star all day, every day, in the hopes that together, we can make the world a better place.”
Report campus hate here.
Cover photo courtesy of Hana Hofeld.