My name is Jonathan (Jade) Steinberg, and I’m a first year at the University of Texas at Dallas. This semester is not at all what I envisioned college to be like. I never imagined that I would fear for my safety and the safety of my friends just because of the fact that we are Jewish. If you had asked me about my life before October 7th, I would say it was your typical UTD college experience. I was focused on classes, getting to know my classmates and professors, and starting to make new friends. But then Hamas launched a brutal attack against Israel taking over a thousand lives. A day forever ingrained in Jewish history. Immediately, the air on my campus in Richardson, TX felt different. And antisemitic incidents started popping up for me and others. I was called a f**ing k** to my face, I saw disgusting and dehumanizing writing by members of Students for Justice in Palestine, and people on campus have felt comfortable sharing the worst justification or minimization of Jewish and Israeli suffering. We are in pain, but we are here. At Hillel Shabbat we toast to something good that happened in the week. The first Shabbat after October 7th, Jewish students gathered off campus just glad to be fully themselves and not defend their existence. L’chaim! And every day since, Hillel has continued to provide a safe space for Jewish students. We’re a small minority on campus, but because of Hillel, we have a strong community. I am honored to be UTD Hillel’s next President, with the responsibility to represent the Jewish community on campus. We are combating the rising antisemitism on campus, and we are bringing exciting and engaging programs to gather as a Jewish community. If you’ve read this far, I would love for you to message me at jls220006@utdallas.edu with any questions, advice, or comments you would like me to know. And a donation in any amount to our Hillel will help the Jewish community at UTD feel safe, protected, and loved.