Freshman Elliot Tick, a political science major from Charleston, S.C. at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, faced resistance from a family friend when she wanted to wear a Star of David necklace to celebrate her acceptance. This resistance stemmed from safety concerns as anti-Semitic attacks were on the rise after the conflict between Hamas and Israel. The campus community, including Jewish students, grappled with how to respond to the violence, with some feeling politically isolated and unsure of how to express their opinions.
Students at UMass Amherst Hillel, a Jewish organization on campus, remained neutral during the protests following the attacks, but now they are speaking out to share their perspectives. Safety concerns were heightened when even safe spaces like Hillel were disrupted by opposing groups.
Students like Kinches and Koenig reflected on the challenges they faced in expressing their beliefs and finding a balance between their personal, political, and religious identities on campus. Tick, who was not on campus during the protests, sought to understand differing viewpoints and ultimately shared her feelings through a poem, encouraging kindness and curiosity over judgment.
As tensions on campus continue, students are working to move forward by opening up conversations and promoting understanding among the diverse community at UMass Amherst. Despite differing perspectives and challenges, the campus seeks to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students.
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