After the announcement of the murder of six Israeli hostages by Hamas over Labor Day weekend, including American citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin, protests and vigils were held around the world.
Israel saw its largest protests since the start of the war, with over 500,000 Israelis, nearly 5% of the population, taking to the streets to demand the release of the rest of the hostages.
Around 20 students gathered at the University of Cincinnati Hillel to hold a vigil and provide a space for one another to grieve.
“We wanted to have a moment together,” said a Hillel staff member who asked to remain anonymous because of security concerns.
The students lit six yahrzeit candles in front of posters of the six hostages, before moving to another room where they were encouraged to express themselves however they needed.
“We want to let everyone deal with mourning differently,” the staffer said.
Hillel staff provided papers for students to write letters of condolence to the Hersh Polin family, express their thoughts, and draw. They also encouraged the students to share their feelings.
“I was in disbelief [after hearing about the executed hostages], and after an hour in disbelief [it just turned] to numbness,” said freshman Jacob Gers, “and feeling dark and down and realizing that, you know, anytime we get close [to a hostage deal] it’s like the yard is moved, and just feeling so alone and hopeless.”
Students sat in a large circle in the Hillel lounge. Most sat in silence, but a few shared their feelings and highlighted the interconnectivity of the world Jewish community.
One student shared how they went to the same Jewish summer camp as Hersh, and another shared how his Aunt was a close friend of Rachel Polin. And another shared that a family friend they grew up with is still being held hostage in Gaza.
“Dealing with that, like heartbreak in our family, has been really tough,” they said.
Many students asked not to have their names shared out of concern for their security.
“October 7 has had such a huge impact on the entire country of Israel…but the whole world has just been so negative and hating towards us rather than supportive,” said a student.
Since Oct. 7 and the start of the Israel-Hamas war, college campuses have become flashpoints over the war, and many campuses have seen an increase in antisemitic incidents. According to Hillel International, there were over 103 antisemitic incidents on campuses during July and August of 2024.
Last January, the University of Cincinnati announced it was creating a task force to combat antisemitism and Islamaphobia on campus.
“I have had to submit requests to have anti-Israel posters and slogans removed, and they get ignored or delayed, and as soon as one goes down, another one goes up,” said Gers.
Many came despite their concerns. “I think coming together as one on campus just shines our light even brighter across the state, the country, and the world,” said Jake Powers, a senior at UC.
“I’m not someone that’s good at expressing my emotions, but it has been really good to have Hillel here as a support system,” said a student. “Everyone here is dealing with similar emotions. It is helpful to be surrounded by people dealing with the same grief.”
