By Aimee Schwedock
On Tuesday, July 21, 2015, I had the opportunity to participate in Words to Action, an Anti-Defamation League program teaching college and high school students how to challenge anti-Semitism at their schools. As a summer intern at ADL, I was excited to participate in one of the ADL’s most important initiatives. It was an amazing experience.
Held at the National Museum of American Jewish History, ADL’s Words to Action training brought together people from all ages and backgrounds to discuss the serious issue of anti-Semitism. Like myself, most of the participants had personal experiences with anti-Jewish hate. Words to Action taught us what to do when we see or hear anti-Semitism, and how to determine whether or not something is anti-Semitic.
As a young Jewish woman, anti-Semitism is something extremely personal to me. I have personally experienced anti-Semitism and have seen hateful anti-Jewish acts done to others numerous times. I am a student at Temple University, where there are unfortunately still instances of anti-Semitism.
Many Jewish students on campus find it hard to know what to do when faced with anti-Semitism. If more students had the opportunity to participate in Words to Action, they would feel more comfortable in confronting such bigotry. It was shocking to me to discover how many young Jewish students in our workshop still encounter anti-Semitism, and that these students were unsure how to handle those situations. After attending the ADL’s Words to Action program, I feel I am better prepared to respond to anti-Semitism, and can support others with my newfound knowledge and skills.