We come to you today with a sense of determination and a call for unity in the face of adversity. This past weekend, our cherished fraternity house in Berkeley suffered a reprehensible act of vandalism. Over the course of the last few days, it has become known that at least one other fraternity was similarly vandalized though not because of antisemitism. While we can’t imagine the rationale for this, we are gratified to know that AEPi may not have been specifically singled out because of our commitment to being Jewish. Ignorance, however, does not excuse antisemitism and this event has contributed to an environment in which Jewish students are concerned for their safety and being discriminated against. At least some of the people who perpetrated this act have come forward to our chapter’s leadership and apologized for their actions. We welcome this act of contrition and look forward to working with them and the entire Berkeley community to use this moment as a catalyst for good.
Regrettably, our experience is not isolated. Across college campuses in North America and around the world, incidents of antisemitism are on the rise. This is not just a challenge for our chapter; it’s a concern for the collective conscience of our academic institutions. We firmly believe that universities should be bastions of open dialogue, where ideas are exchanged freely and every student feels safe to call their campus home.
In response to this disheartening incident, we, the brothers of this fraternity, are choosing resilience over resignation. We understand that the fight against antisemitism requires more than words; it demands action. That’s why we have decided to take a stand and channel our energy into a meaningful endeavor: fundraising for the Antisemitism Response Center (ARC).
The Antisemitism Response Center is a collaborative initiative between the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity. It is a beacon of hope, a force dedicated to eradicating antisemitism from college campuses across North America. ARC is not just an organization; it’s a movement that seeks to replace hate with understanding, ignorance with education, and fear with unity.
Your Support Matters: Here’s How You Can Make a Difference
Financial Support: Your generous contributions will enable us to support ARC’s efforts in combating antisemitism. Funds raised will be directed towards initiatives that promote educational programs, and foster awareness campaigns that challenge prejudices.
Spread the Word: Beyond financial contributions, your voice is powerful. Share this campaign with your friends, family, and social networks. Let them know that together, we can make a lasting impact against antisemitism.
In the wake of this antisemitic attack, we have a choice: to succumb to fear or to stand up and be the change we wish to see. We choose the latter. With your support, we can transform adversity into opportunity and make campuses safer, more inclusive spaces for everyone.
Thank you for standing with us. Your solidarity fuels our determination.
In unity,
The Brothers of the Chi Alpha Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Pi