A Message about Jewish Life at Tufts—Spring 2025
Tufts Jewish Alliance (TJA) has been tracking incidents on Tufts’ campuses since October 7, 2023, liaising with Tufts Jewish/pro-Israel institutions and clubs, and meeting with university administrators on a regular basis. Given these experiences, we offer our thoughts about what it is like to be Jewish at Tufts.
The 2024-25 academic year was calm for the most part, and certainly in comparison to 2023-24. Parents of Jewish students had the pleasure of watching their children thrive as they pursued their academic goals and dealt with “normal” student challenges. Many related how their children found community, support, and connection, which are available at Tufts for Jewish students of all backgrounds and beliefs.* A strong Jewish presence manifests in a vibrant Hillel and Chabad, many Jewish faculty who serve as mentors and role models, and student-led organizations like Friends of Israel (FOI), TAMID, and Tufts Israeli Culture Club.
It’s true that some Jewish students have encountered antisemitism and exclusion: disparaging remarks in classrooms and dorms, hostile messaging from anti-Israel organizations, ideological litmus tests from a few clubs, and disruptive protests and building occupations. (Much of this took place in 2023-24.) In response, Tufts administrators took important steps. They clarified the time, place, and manner rules for campus protests and have increased disciplinary actions against students who violate them. University leadership instituted ongoing dialogue with Jewish faculty, students, alumni, and parents. They implemented several (ongoing) programs to educate the campus on antisemitism. Notably, administrators have demonstrated strong support of the community by attending events like the anniversary of 10/7 in 2024.
There is room to go. Antisemitism, including anti-Zionism, and its vitriolic expression on campuses is fueled and emboldened by binary ideological frameworks that pervade certain academic departments at many top universities. Tufts is no exception, and antisemitism was identified as a campus problem well before October 7, 2023. A broad community of Tufts parents, alumni, students, and faculty is committed to speaking up against campus elements that seek to marginalize many Jewish voices, including those who support the right of Jewish self-determination.
Tufts Jewish Alliance values facts over ideology, civil discourse over shouting down, and free speech over censorship, aligning us with Tufts’ mission statement and core values. Parents of prospective students—please reach out to us with questions. Families of accepted students—welcome to the community and we look forward to hearing from you.
*The self-identified Jewish population at Tufts is at 13% and is reportedly increasing.