Universities should be places where people can ask difficult questions, hear different views and be open about who they are. But for many Jewish students, faculty and staff, that has become harder. 

That was at the heart of Openly Jewish: TMU’s Special Symposium on Antisemitism at Canadian Universities, held October 20 at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). 

More than 150 people from across Canada came together to talk honestly about antisemitism on campus and, just as importantly, what can be done about it. Students, faculty, staff, university leaders, Jewish organizations and public-sector partners were all part of the conversation. 

The symposium was organized by TMJew, a faculty-led group at TMU, in partnership with Hillel Ontario. UJA sponsored 50 students to attend at no cost, helping ensure student voices were part of the day. 

The conversations were difficult, but also hopeful. People shared what they are experiencing, what is working, and how we can move forward together. 

Recognizing Antisemitism 

One message was clear: we cannot address antisemitism if we do not recognize and name it. 

Participants explored how to distinguish legitimate political criticism, academic debate and respectful disagreement from discrimination, exclusion, harassment or unequal treatment of Jewish students. The question is not whether difficult or controversial ideas can be discussed, but when conduct crosses the line into antisemitism. 

Exclusion can also happen through what is missing. Participants shared examples of Jewish or Israeli perspectives being left out of academic discussions, limiting the range of views students hear. 

Universities need to look closely at their policies, including EDI policies. Jewish experiences must be recognized, protections applied fairly and antisemitism addressed when it occurs. At the same time, campuses should remain places for open discussion, critical thinking and respectful disagreement. 

The Power of Community 

The day also offered reasons for hope. Across campuses, people are coming together rather than facing these challenges alone. 

Students are finding community through Hillel Ontario and other Jewish campus organizations. Many are also stepping into leadership roles. 

Faculty are building connections too. Dr. Cary Kogan cofounded the Network of Engaged Canadian Academics (NECA), which brings together more than 400 Jewish and non-Jewish faculty across 54 Canadian campuses. In August 2026, the network released recommendations to help campuses address antisemitism. Learn more about NECA and read the recommendations.

At the University of Toronto, student Lir Josefsohn founded Evneh, U of T’s first undergraduate Jewish studies journal. It gives students a place to explore Jewish identity, history and culture. 

“There was a need for more opportunities for Jewish students...to articulate what Judaism means to them, in their own words,” Josefsohn said.

Josefsohn said the support she received from the Anne Tanenbaum Centre for Jewish Studies, Hillel U of T, university administration, fellow students and colleagues on campus, and other Jewish organizations helped make the journal possible. It is a powerful example of what can happen when students have a community behind them and the space and support to turn an idea into action. 

What Comes Next? 

Three practical ideas emerged from the day. 

First, universities need to recognize and address antisemitism while making room for open debate and disagreement. Disagreement is part of university life; exclusion, harassment and unequal treatment are different and need to be addressed. Clear policies can help universities respond fairly and consistently, while helping students and families understand their rights and where to turn for support. Students also need more opportunities to hear different views, ask difficult questions and learn how to disagree respectfully. 

Second, leadership matters. When antisemitism or exclusion happens, university leaders need to speak up, set clear expectations and follow through. Faculty, alumni and community members can help by supporting students, raising concerns and encouraging institutions to act. 

Third, community makes a difference. Support from Hillel, Jewish organizations, university administrators, colleagues and other partners can help students feel less alone and more confident taking action. Gatherings like this symposium also give people a chance to listen, share ideas and work through difficult issues together. 

The challenges are serious, but there is hope in people coming together to listen, learn and act. The goal is campuses where antisemitism has no place, Jewish students, faculty and staff can participate openly as themselves, and Jewish life can thrive 

To learn more about the symposium or access recordings, contact TMJew at [email protected].