Fall 2025 Update

 Dear Reader… And especially to the incoming freshman who’s rightfully concerned about antisemitism and the relevant security and policy failures with our universities these days, this is for you. 


     About eleven months ago in November of 2024, I started writing these ‘blog-style’ posts from time to time. Not because I wanted to, but that I needed to. I felt that I needed to write for one major reason and that was that I needed an outlet to let loose my thoughts especially in the dire times we find ourselves in. For a while, I had felt isolated and alone, I think you could’ve deduced that from the title of this blog. Calling oneself a “Friend from the Shadows” doesn’t really inspire a healthy social life. In addition, being one of about three non-Jewish students on my campus that have been vocally against the large antisemitic mob definitely disturbed me to say the least. I did feel that I could’ve been alone perhaps, and it came to a point that I certainly started suspecting that it was plausible. During this past summer, however, I was invited by a friend to a little excursion where I was proven wrong, and for once, I am deeply thankful I was proven wrong. I am not sure exactly as to what and more importantly what I am not allowed to say, but during this little excursion I had the opportunity to meet many a student leader, like myself, who witnessed the antisemitic horrors on their campus and decided to step up to the plate and speak out on their respective campuses. After seeing so many of my age constantly and seemingly support antisemitic libels and behavior, it brought me great hope and relief knowing that my generation, isn’t entirely lost. I’ll make this clear, we are in the darkest chapter in Jewish History since the Holocaust, the darkest hour for Jewish students anywhere, and the darkest hour in post-secondary education in a long time, and every single one of these student leaders I’ve met decided to take this hour of darkness and make it their finest hour. The strength in character, grace and class to stand up and tall to overwhelming adversity, though once common, is now rare. So to see so many carry themselves in this manner, again brings me a joy that’d make even the most hardened grandpa veteran shed a tear. 

    So, that being said, to those to whom this piece is addressed (yes, that’s you all incoming freshmen), I understand the fear, intimidation, and frankly despair one feels when reading and hearing about the constant mob-led chaos being spewed on our campuses and spilling into our streets. However, if you feel alone, don’t fret. If you look in the right safe spaces and in the right alleyways, you will find a few birds like myself trying their best to maintain a nest of light and joy in the storm we find ourselves in. Frankly, we can’t wait to meet you, and who knows, you may even be the key player to finally make some change happen. Here’s to a fruitful semester and I’ll see you on campus… somewhere. 


Your Friend in the Shadows

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