The battle against antisemitism is still ongoing, but with the renewed leadership of the Trump administration, there is newfound hope that this issue will no longer be ignored. One area where this fight is especially critical is on college campuses, where antisemitic incidents have reached alarming levels.

On Oct. 7, 2023, Israel endured the deadliest assault on Jews since the Holocaust, triggering a worldwide surge in antisemitic acts. In the United States, under the leadership of the Biden-Harris administration, which often seemed sympathetic to extremist groups, antisemitism appeared to be silently legitimized. According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), over 10,000 antisemitic incidents were recorded between Oct. 7, 2023 and September 2024 — marking the highest number ever documented in a single year.

Of particular concern is the surge in antisemitism on U.S. college campuses, with the ADL reporting more than 1,400 incidents during the 2023-2024 academic year. This represents a staggering 500% increase from the previous year. Jewish students have faced harassment, violence and discrimination, often under the guise of “free speech.” But this is not free speech: this is hate speech that undermines the safety and well-being of Jewish students, making campuses hostile environments for them.

Against this backdrop of rising antisemitism, President Donald J. Trump has emerged as a beacon of hope for the Jewish community. Despite facing two assassination attempts and a hostile political environment, President Trump secured a resounding victory in the 2024 election. On Jan. 29, he signed a crucial executive order aimed at combating antisemitism in the United States — a follow-up to Executive Order 13899 from December 2019. This executive order acknowledges the urgent need to address the alarming rise in antisemitic incidents, particularly in the wake of the horrific attacks on Israel.

Key elements of the executive order include:

Policy Statement: The U.S. government will now utilize all available legal tools to combat antisemitism and hold perpetrators accountable.

Agency Reports: Federal agencies will be required to report on their actions to address antisemitism within 60 days, with special emphasis on incidents in colleges and universities.

Campus Monitoring: The Departments of State, Education and Homeland Security will collaborate with educational institutions to ensure that non-citizens engaging in antisemitic activities can be deported, sending a clear message that hate will not be tolerated.

This order is a historic and necessary step in safeguarding Jewish communities and ensuring that campuses remain safe and inclusive for all students.

Shabbos Kestenbaum, who is suing Harvard University for its mishandling of antisemitism on campus, praised the executive order, saying, “This is another promise fulfilled under the Trump administration. This is excellent news for Jewish students who’ve been relentlessly battling antisemitism on campuses. Many of us students have already identified such lawbreakers and look forward to working with the White House to finally tackle antisemitism aggressively. This is not an attack on free speech. These actions target individuals who are inadmissible under 8 USC 1182 (a)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which clearly states that anyone endorsing terrorism is inadmissible to the U.S. and may be removed. Unfortunately, this describes a significant portion of the pro-Palestinian movement on campuses.”

Former New York State Assemblyman Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that the removal of foreign students supporting terrorist organizations would be a critical turning point in the fight against hate. “If we can finally expel individuals who are undermining the safety of our campuses and inciting violence, this will send a resounding message,” Hikind stated. “There must be real consequences for acts of hate, and up until now, under Democratic leadership, it’s been nothing but empty rhetoric and inaction. The time for complacency has passed. It’s time for a strong, decisive government — the Trump administration — that stands firmly against hatred and takes bold, necessary steps to protect the safety and dignity of Jewish communities.”

Rabbi Raphael Shore, the producer of the powerful film “Tragic Awakening” and author of “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Jew?” also expressed his strong support for the executive order. He noted, “For far too long, Jewish students have faced unprotected, unchecked hatred on their campuses, while other minority groups received institutional protection. The Trump administration’s executive order is an essential step in ensuring that antisemitism is treated with the same severity as other forms of bigotry.”

The Trump administration’s bold move has made an indelible mark in the battle against antisemitism, providing Jewish students with a much needed sense of security. While the fight is far from over, this executive order sends an unmistakable message. There will be consequences for those who spread hate. It is time for a future where antisemitism is no longer tolerated, where Jewish students can thrive without fear of discrimination, and where the full weight of the law is brought to bear on those who seek to undermine peace and tolerance.

This is a pivotal moment in the fight against hatred. The Trump administration has set the stage for a new era of accountability, justice and unwavering protection for Jewish communities. Let us not allow this opportunity to slip away. Together, we must push forward with strength, unity and resolve to create a future where hate is confronted head-on and safety for all students is the standard, not the exception.

The time for action is now—let us rise to the challenge.

Rivka Sonts is a dedicated Israel activist with a long history of involvement in numerous Jewish organizations. Her work includes contributions to the Jewish Agency for Israel, UJA Federation, Ateret Cohanim, and Americans Against Antisemitism. Rivka has also played an active role in many demonstrations and has lobbied alongside prominent organizations such as AIPAC, ZOA and NORPAC.

Currently, she serves as a board member of Rescuers Without Borders in Yehuda and Shomron. She is running on the ZOA slate for the World Zionist Congress, with elections scheduled to begin in March. In addition to her advocacy work, Rivka is a certified life coach and serves as the Public Relations Director for The Park Med Spa.

Rivka resides in Highland Park with her children and can be reached via email at [email protected].