This text and the views expressed inside belong to Lydia Buckius and don’t essentially replicate the views of The Miami Hurricane.
The occasions of Oct. 7, 2023, resonate deeply on a private degree. Whereas some view the
violence within the Center East as mere political chatter, for others, it’s profoundly intimate. Carrying a Magen David or different symbols of Judaism serves as a poignant reminder of that day, our homeland, and our enduring hope for peace.
It’s Dec. 20, however it’s nonetheless Oct. 7.
He whispered, “That’s a very nice necklace, by the way in which,” into my ear as we sat collectively within the
cozy nook of a dimly lit sushi restaurant in South Seashore. He was a long-time good friend visiting from New York Metropolis and a proud Zionist captivated by the narration of my experiences learning on the College of Miami as a Judaic Research minor. We had a stunning night collectively doing what Jews do greatest: noshing (snacking) and yapping. We thought at that second we had life found out. What neither of us knew was that in just some brief hours, the world over, Hamas militants would invade Israel, gruesomely murdering harmless Israeli civilians, ceaselessly altering our futures and the way forward for the Center East.
I fell swiftly to sleep, dreaming sweetly of a self-care Saturday filled with all of the requirements:
SoulCycle, an overpriced latte, a mani-pedi and a few learning with buddies. My goals shortly got here to a halt when my telephone started flooding with information alerts: ISRAEL UNDER ATTACK. These phrases flashing throughout my display despatched chills down my backbone, and my thoughts went numb. This wasn’t simply one other siren shrill in Israel. This was a bloodbath. Within the days to comply with, I felt so completely helpless sitting at my desk in an Israel-Palestine class in Miami, Florida, whereas a few of my closest buddies, mentors and function fashions had been struggling in Israel.
After the paralysis of the information wore off, I started brainstorming methods to become involved. I fundraised for Associates of the Israeli Protection Forces, despatched financial assist on to the previous madrich (chief) of my Onward Authorities and Politics program, and took on a extra energetic function at UM’s Hillel. It was there that I attended a vigil the place Daniella Levine Cava, mayor of Miami-Dade County, spoke to supply hope and guarantee security for UM Jews.
Collectively, all of us sang “Hatikvah” (Israel’s nationwide anthem) as a reminder that, as inscribed on the again of my necklace, “Am Yisrael Chai” – the folks of Israel reside. I proceed to put on my necklace as a tactile reminder and to point out my solidarity with the State of Israel and the Jewish folks.
Whereas I’ve had the lucky expertise of residing within the post-Oct. 7 world from the protection
of the UM bubble, different school campuses throughout the nation have been tormented by terrorist sympathizers, unresponsive leaders and skyrocketing ranges of antisemitism. In response to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), anti-Israel activism and anti-Israel incidents on school campuses have elevated by 477% since Oct. 7. Organizations akin to Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) are considered one of many recognized that put Jews, Zionists and Israelis in imminent hazard.
Each pupil has a proper to a secure and guarded schooling at their college. It’s unjust for an additional pupil to take that immediately just because they disagree with the actions of a pupil’s affiliated organizations – spiritual and political. Alex from the College of Pittsburgh (fictitious) has no impression on the actions of Benjamin Netanyahu (Israel’s prime minister), however the actions of Bibi have an effect on Alex. We’re one folks. The diaspora will depend on Israel, and Israel will depend on us.
I’m dedicated to upholding my ethical obligation as a Zionist by constantly advocating for
the return of the hostages, the destruction of Hamas and Hezbollah and the prosperity of the State of Israel.
In August, I had the privilege of attending the Israel on Campus Coalition (ICC) Nationwide Management Summit in Washington, D.C., the place I met inspiring leaders akin to Loay Alshareef, a scholar from the United Arab Emirates; Naftali Bennett, former Israeli Prime Minister; and Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, the outgoing deputy mayor of Jerusalem. She gave my cohort of Jewish pupil leaders three suggestions which have been guiding lights in navigating this new period of antisemitism: stay prideful in your Jewish id, know your historical past and be your individual greatest advocate.
Might the reminiscences of all who’ve perished as a result of ongoing conflicts from Oct. 7 be a blessing.
Lydia Buckius (Class of 2025) is majoring in political science and minoring in Judaic Research on the pre-law monitor.