(Mansfield, CT – April 1, 2021) – StandWithUs is extremely saddened by three antisemitic attacks that took place at the University of Connecticut. On March 27th a swastika was found graffitied on a building facing the Hillel Building; on March 28th a Jewish student was verbally assaulted while walking home from Chabad during Passover, and on March 30th a swastika and “SS ” were found graffitied on another building. We strongly condemn these terrible acts of hate and we call on the University of Connecticut’s administration to take robust measures to identify and discipline the perpetrators and ensure a safe and supportive environment for Jewish students.
“I have always been proud to be Jewish and that is something that will never change. However, as a result of these antisemitic acts, this is the first time in my life where I have felt the need to consider hiding the fact that I am Jewish. Despite the pain and fear that I feel right now, I am thankful for the unwavering support from StandWithUs and UConn Hillel” said Ryan Murace, 2020-2021 StandWithUs Emerson Fellow and University of Connecticut student.
StandWithUs stands with our partner UConn Hillel and the Jewish community at large at the University of Connecticut. We are inspired by the show of strength demonstrated by the Jewish community in the face of adversity as they work to educate their peers and show that hate should have no place on this campus. We look forward to participating in the Solidarity Gathering to Fight Antisemitism taking place on Monday, April 5, 2021 at the University of Connecticut.
“As a University of Connecticut alumna, I am horrified by the antisemitic attacks at my alma mater this week. No student should have to experience the trauma of antisemitic attacks or witness Nazi imagery that is symbolic of the genocide that was perpetrated against their ancestors. As the StandWithUs New England Senior Campus Coordinator I am thankful for the opportunity to help provide support to the Jewish community during this difficult time “ said Eliza Kanner, the StandWithUs New England Senior Campus Coordinator.
We are grateful for the leadership displayed by UConn Hillel as they rally the UConn Jewish community to stand strong and speak out against hate. We echo these sentiments and support efforts to combat hate and ignorance with education and empowerment.
About StandWithUs
StandWithUs (SWU) is an international, non-profit and non-partisan Israel education organization that works to inspire and educate people of all ages about Israel, as well as challenge misinformation and fight against antisemitism.
Through university fellowships, high school internships, middle school curricula, conferences, materials, social media, educational films and missions to Israel, StandWithUs supports people around the world who want to educate their schools and communities about Israel.
Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Los Angeles, the organization has chapters and programs on 5 continents, including the U.S., Israel, UK, Canada, South Africa and Brazil.
For the last 8 years, SWU has consistently received the highest possible ratings from Charity Navigator (4 stars) and Guidestar (Platinum).
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