Frieda Schweky
I’d like to apologize to my monthly readers. I normally choose lighter topics for my columns, however the topic of anti-Semitism on American college campuses since October 7th seemed too important not to address. We are all aware that certain educational institutions, colleges, and universities, have turned into breeding grounds for anti-Semitism.
In my opinion, unless my child is interested in a career that absolutely needs a degree, such as to become a doctor, a therapist, or a lawyer, I’d prefer them not to attend college. I think the American standard of sending our kids to college because, that’s what we do, taking on debt or paying exorbitant amounts of money towards an education that may not even lead to a job or amount to anything, is silly and outdated.
Let’s hear what community members think and what they are doing to protect their children.
Anonymous Community Dad
I am 49 years old and have three children. I went to Brooklyn College, got my degree in accounting, and then went to law school and became a lawyer. I certainly believe that a good education is necessary for a rewarding and fulfilling life, but I think it is critically important to understand three things (1) Who is your child? (i.e. how grounded are they? How strong are they mentally?); (2) What is your child looking to obtain/experience from going to college? and (3) What kind of environment will your child be in at the specific college?
My son is a strong-minded, focused, religious, and a hard-working person. He is just finishing up his degree in architecture and real estate at University of Pennsylvania, after spending a year learning in Israel. Interestingly, he actually became more learned and religious during college. He got to meet other religious kids from different backgrounds, which gave him a more well-rounded and healthy perspective on religious Judaism. He spent pretty much all of his free time at the Hillel House and did not enmesh himself in the “college experience.” He was there to get his degree and used his free time to meet other Jewish kids. He was strong enough to leave the house to live on campus for three years and we weren’t really concerned about him being influenced by negative people. That is certainly not the norm and, for a different type of kid, the environment for a child living away from home at any school could be scary and choosing the right school should not be decided lightly.
Whereas years ago, I may have said that all kids should have a four-year college degree, I am not convinced that is still the case. Leaving aside the college environment discussion, in my opinion, not all kids should be automatically going to a regular four-year college program. Some kids might be better off pursuing other paths, such as enrolling in a technical school, or an apprenticeship. It depends on the child, their interests, and their strengths. I believe that each person needs to find their own path – something that they can do to earn a living and stand on their own two feet. That is critical in order to have self-respect, confidence, and, obviously, be able to support yourself and your family.
In terms of the impact of October 7th, some of the top schools in the country, including University of Pennsylvania, have materially hurt their reputations this past year and I feel differently about the benefit of those schools taking into consideration the anti-Israel sentiment that is prevalent at those institutions. I recommend a lot of diligence before deciding where to send one’s child.
Anonymous Community Mom
I have one college kid, one high school senior, and a high school junior. The oldest child is in Brooklyn College studying to be a doctor. For the other two, I am looking at seminaries and Yeshiva University. I am honestly concerned in a post-October 7th world for their safety. Not only am I concerned as a Jewish mother, I think everyone should be concerned that so many non-students are allowed on campus who cause chaos and anarchy with no real repercussions. At this point I believe that colleges are corrupting the youth and the only reason for someone to go to college is if they require it for their desired profession such as to become a lawyer or a doctor.
Anonymous Community Mom
I’m actually a current student in Touro, which I chose for its safe environment. I am a Jewish mother. When Touro decided to become a university, they began accepting outside funding. As a result, they had to accept a wider range of students and also give them certain rights. I believe we need to keep the Jewish institutions we have created as fundamentally Jewish. Additionally, Jewish organizations like Chabad and Hillel on secular campuses need to have a voice and promote our values and provide a good resource for Jewish students.
I’m very pro-education but believe our children don’t need to attend the Ivy League schools. I encourage Jewish students to choose Touro, as I did. Once you have graduated, what is important is your ambition and your work ethic, not how prestigious the school is you attended. I believe we shouldn’t scare parents or children away from going to college altogether, but we should provide students with good alternatives so our community continues to thrive and progress.
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We should all pray for the future of this country, our community, and Israel. An unprecedented amount of applications for aliya, says something about the Jewish spirit. We will not be bullied out of our homeland or our educational institutions. May Hashem keep our students and all of Am Yisrael safe, and bring us salvation!
Until next month,
Frieda Schweky