As Antisemitism Rises, New Campaign Confronts Hate On Campus

JewBelong has plastered eye-catching billboards around UW-Madison in hopes to not only spread awareness, but to shut down the presence of antisemitism

To address the resurgence of nationwide antisemitism, the organization JewBelong has taken to the streets of college campuses- including the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Launching the week of August 28th, large pink billboards with messages such as “Jewish students don’t need your pity. Just your spine,” and “Being Jewish shouldn’t require campus security” were installed in efforts to bring attention to the growing hostility facing Jewish students.

The campaign comes amidst heightened national debate and scrutiny from political figures- including that of the Trump Administration- and seeks to bring immediate attention to the rising antisemitic incidents across academic institutions.

Founded in 2013, JewBelong began with the objective of promoting “Joyous Judaism,” but its mission has since evolved into a campaign to advocate against antisemitism through bold, high-impact messages. The organization’s provocative slogans- like those currently featured on billboards near the UW-Madison campus- are expected to reach over 33 million eyes, aiming to leave a lasting impression on campus communities.

This effort to publicize the rise of antisemitism across campus has come at a critical time. In Wisconsin alone, antisemitic incidents have increased by 184% between 2022 and 2024. 56% of Jewish college students say their lives have been directly impacted by antisemitism on campus since October 7th.

In February of 2024, the U.S. Department of Education launched a Title VI investigation into UW-Madison after a complaint was filed claiming that the university had failed to protect Jewish students from harassment during an October of 2023 pro-Palestinian rally.

UW-Madison faced direct scrutiny from the Trump Administration over this handling of antisemitism on campus. Under a newly emphasized federal policy, the United States has pledged to “combat anti-semitism vigorously, using all available and appropriate legal tools, to prosecute, remove, or otherwise hold to account the perpetrators of unlawful anti-semitic harassment and violence.”

As part of this national crackdown, the Administration has turned its attention to college campuses as a focal point for addressing antisemitism. UW-Madison is one of 60 institutions named under investigation for potential violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination- including antisemitic harassment- on the basis of race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs.

In response to the federal complaint, UW-Madison issued a public statement condemning all forms of antisemitism, reaffirming its commitment to foster a safe and inclusive environment for all students. Taking further action, the university revised several existing protest guidelines through an updated Expressive Activity Policy, implemented mandatory free expression training for all students, and introduced a new policy restricting official public position statements.

The university also pointed to campus partnerships and community outreach efforts- such as Hillel’s Campus Climate Initiative- as resources for Jewish students seeking support and solidarity in the face of rising antisemitism.

While billboards and policies have drawn public attention, the actions of the university will determine how far their impact spreads. From student-organized dialogues to administrative officials affirming their support, the fight against antisemitism is emerging across academic institutions.

As UW-Madison continues to face national scrutiny, the efforts they take to combat this rising hostility on behalf of the campus community- standing in solidarity with students, speaking out against violence, and combating discrimination- will determine their success.