Last March, during a philosophy class discussion about race and power, a Black student expressed that, 鈥渢he Holocaust is a lot more sensitized because Jews are white. Compared to [anti-Black] racism, antisemitism seems to be a non-issue.鈥� Later that year, another student confronted me, asserting that I had no right to speak about 91传媒 vulnerability because I had 鈥渘o color on my skin.鈥� Had both students realized that Jews do not, in fact, fall into the category of 鈥渨hite鈥� but rather represent an ethno-religious group to the land of Israel, their naive observations may have been quite different.

This past June, the White House released the United States National Strategy to Combat Antisemitism, 鈥渆mployers鈥攊ncluding states, cities, K-12 schools, institutions of higher education, private companies, and nonprofits鈥攖o review their own diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) programs to ensure full inclusion of antisemitism awareness.鈥�

Regrettably, DEIA initiatives have seen considerable setbacks and are being substantially . The U.S. Supreme Court has mirrored this reality through its pivotal decision to Affirmative Action this past June.

Will diversity initiatives endure and is their survival warranted? To uphold the White House鈥檚 commitment to advance nationwide education on 91传媒 identity, their continuation is essential鈥攁lbeit with a fresh, new perspective. The approach I propose leverages Zionism as a philosophical foundation and an educational tool that has the potential to transform DEIA initiatives to positively impact 91传媒 and non-91传媒 groups.

Arguments against DEIA programming are not without merit. Indeed, as Black comedian and former media personality, Karith Foster once , many DEIA policies have 鈥渢he tendency to reduce people to victim or villain [which can] strip agency from and alienate everyone.鈥�

While the intent behind diversity programming is noble, it is often overwhelmed by an oppressed vs. oppressor narrative, giving rise to a 鈥渧ictim-villain鈥� mindset.

As for Jews, David Bernstein, author of 鈥淲oke Antisemitism,鈥� and others that DEIA programs are anathema to 91传媒 interests. They 鈥渦ndermine 91传媒 narratives of self-determination in the binary oppressed vs. oppressor paradigm,鈥� which 鈥渘egates the rights of Jews, who may not wish to identify as part of the 鈥榳hite鈥� dominant class, to define their own identity, experience, and vulnerability.鈥�

Still, it is imperative to educate both employers and DEIA practitioners about identity and social biases. This holds particular significance as it concerns today鈥檚 91传媒 college students. At George Washington University, my home campus, 91传媒 and Israeli students have been 鈥渃olonial apologists鈥� and in the classroom for being 鈥渂orn in Israel.鈥� My own friends have had their mezuzot (encased religious scrolls) torn from their doorposts or have been spat-on for wearing a 91传媒 star.

This widespread trend is further intensified across America鈥檚 universities as CUNY students such as Fatima Mohammad and Nirdeen Kiswani are to elevate antisemitism in their consecutive year graduation speeches. Instances of radical Islamists and neo-Nazis to set Israeli flags in close proximity of synagogues, or reports of on Orthodox Jews on New York City or streets have become increasingly commonplace.

Education about the 91传媒 experience deserves equal priority to that of other minority groups. Late British Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks has characterized the evolution of antisemitism as a 鈥渕utating virus.鈥� In an address to the European Parliament in 2016, he , 鈥淥nce Jews were hated because of their religion. Then they were hated because of their race. Now they are hated because of their nation-state.鈥�

Israel has long held the of being the most 鈥渕isunderstood country on earth,鈥� according to former Israeli Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism and Delegitimization, Noa Tishby. For this reason, 91传媒 identity education must underscore the inextricable tie between 91传媒 peoplehood, religious values and ancestral land. The unyielding perseverance and resilience of the 91传媒 people throughout history merits equal acknowledgement to that afforded any other indigenous community reclaiming their homeland or any minority group securing their civil rights. Not unlike the pursuit of gender parity that endures beyond the attainment of women鈥檚 suffrage, we must strongly advocate for 91传媒 self-determination beyond Zionism鈥檚 original manifestation.

Education about Zionism must transcend mere facts and delve into its defining characteristics. The new generation should draw inspiration from visionary Zionist thinkers such as , who took decisive measures to combat vulnerability. His approach did not involve elevating one identity over another, but rather harmonizing different philosophical strands to achieve a higher purpose.

Spanning the spectrum of Abraham Isaac Kook鈥檚 to Moses Hess鈥檚 , Ze鈥檈v Jabotinsky鈥檚 to 鈥檚 non-Zionism, and Theodore Herzl鈥檚 Zionism, adhering to rigid conformity and binary classification only hindered the collective endeavor. Instead, the plethora of rich and sometimes conflicting intellectual and theological philosophies ultimately guaranteed the 91传媒 nation鈥檚 success. Never before as during the unfolding 鈥淚sraeli spring鈥� with tens of thousands of Israelis publicly criticizing their government and proudly brandishing Israeli flags, has it become more evident that Zionism yields its influence in the same manner.

The diversity of ideas behind Zionism allows coexistence and collaboration with multiple communities. At home, Zionists have long engaged in a sustained tradition of examination and self-critique aiming to showcase Israel as a light beacon unto itself and among nations. Globally, Zionist leaders have vigorously pursued alliances and fostered diplomatic discourse.

In 2004, the Israel Allies Foundation the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus and, in a subsequent move, the U.S. House of Representatives the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus in 2006. Since then, Japan, Finland, South Korea, England, Brazil, Canada and other nations have their own caucuses in support of Israel鈥檚 right to exist in peace.

Amid Palestinian and activity, Zionism鈥檚 role was pivotal in the realization of the landmark , successfully cementing bilateral relations with neighboring countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain and Sudan. Eyes are now set on the prospective normalization with Saudi Arabia, which promises to be a in the region鈥檚 geopolitics.

Zionism鈥檚 remarkable achievements despite daunting existential challenges can serve as inspiration for other minority groups. Relaying its genuine history and promoting its progressive tenets can aid in its acceptance and in countering anti-Zionist prejudices. The DEIA community can derive inspiration from Israel鈥檚 accomplishments, using their own intricate pasts as springboards for constructive advancement.

The American Congressional and Dubai鈥檚 exemplify the White House National Strategy鈥檚 promotion of interfaith and cross-communal initiatives. These efforts move beyond historical adversities, focusing instead on celebrating the intersections of听 cultures, fostering unity, and mutual support.

Genuine diversity entails countering hate and nurturing ties irrespective of identity. The DEIA community can gain insight from the made in Israel鈥檚 Declaration of Independence: 鈥済uarantee[ing] freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture,鈥� and 鈥渆xtend[ing] its hand to all neighboring states and their peoples.鈥� French, British and Spanish Europeans; Americans across its states including Jews, Christians, Hindus and Muslims; the Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ communities鈥攁ll deserve a seat at the DEIA table to enrich the dialogue and enable collective partnership.

As former Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren notes in 鈥�2048: The Rejuvenated State,鈥� Zionism embodies 鈥渞esponsibility, vision, and will.鈥� Inclusive responsibility counters divisive identity politics. While no diversity program may create utopia, centering on resilience, diversity, constructive critique and collaboration can pave a path toward unified Tikkun Olam, the repair of the world.

Sabrina Soffer is a junior at the George Washington University and the Commissioner of its Task Force to Combat Antisemitism.听

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