Since October 7, the start of the Israel-Hamas war, rates of anti-Semitism on college campuses have risen significantly. This trend is especially evident on UC campuses. Jewish students report feeling unsafe on their own campuses, isolated from the community, and subjected to attacks by those around them. University Jewish leaders, such as Tessa Veksler from UC Santa Barbara, have even been directly targeted. Veksler, the campus’ Jewish student body president, took to social media to share signs and remarks explicitly targeting her, including phrases like “Get these Zionists out of office” and “You can run but you can’t hide Tessa Veksler.” This is just one of many instances of explicit anti-Semitism observed throughout UC campuses.

While many of these schools have responded to these acts by “releasing a message” or “announcement,” students agree this is not nearly enough. At most, a message lets students know that their university acknowledges what is happening, but without action, it provides no comfort. As a Jewish student at UC Santa Barbara, I fear not only for my community but also for society as a whole.

People are quick to say that it is incomprehensible how such extreme anti-Semitism could have ever been accepted throughout history. Yet, here we are today, with these same actions and beliefs surrounding us, and all our campuses can do is send out a “message.” UC Universities need to take direct action to stop anti-Semitism from occurring on their campuses to protect students’ identity, heritage, and overall safety. This issue needs to be addressed further through actions such as establishing clear and enforceable policies against these actions, punishing those participating, and raising awareness on the issue by incorporating information into students’ curriculum.

Sign this petition today to urge University of California campuses to step up, hear, value, and protect their Jewish students.