Raihaana Adira
Director of Outreach and Allyship
Art via Itai Weinberg
The past year has been incredibly challenging. At times, it feels like being Jewish is almost criminalized, and even more so, being non-Jewish and supportive of Israel is just as bad, if not worse. Yet, we must grieve for the hostages, stand in solidarity with our Jewish friends, and reject antisemitism in all its forms.
I often ask myself, "What can I do to change this?" The only answer I have is this: I have a voice, and I need to use it.
My name is Raihaana Adira, and I am a Muslim student who stands with Israel. I serve as the Director of Outreach and Allyship at The White and Blue. Some might think this is tokenism—a Muslim girl with a title in a Jewish organization. But this role is not meant to tokenize. It's about creating meaningful allyship.
This year, we are launching an allyship column to amplify the voices of students like me. Despite not being Jewish, my voice has been silenced in campus media more than once, for one simple reason: The papers might call it "Zionism," and while the term technically applies to me, in the West, it feels like a slur. I define myself as someone firmly opposed to two things: antisemitism and terrorism.
This section of the paper will showcase stories of allyship, feature voices of non-Jewish Zionists, and share facts about those who stand with the Jewish community.
I am a Muslim student at McGill University, completing my undergraduate degree in International Development and Islamic Studies. Despite this, I have faced alienation from my religious and academic communities. Simply for believing that intimidating students is wrong and for stating publicly that Hamas is a terrorist organization, I have been ostracized.
For months, pro-Palestinian movements at McGill have called for an intifada, chanted "Zionists are terrorists," blocked access to campus property, and celebrated the October 7th attacks as heroic. I have even heard protestors say, "Protests won't stop until there are no Jews left on campus." My peers violate McGill's code of conduct with no consequences. As a result, I’ve had to skip multiple lectures, including my final Islamic Studies class—a moment I had long awaited, which marked the end of 16 years of formally learning about my religion.
McGill has failed to uphold a safe, hate-free environment. Jewish students and their allies are being discriminated against because of their ethnicity, religion, and connection to their indigenous homeland—Israel. This is unacceptable. McGill must stop condoning student groups that sympathize with terrorism and must hold them accountable.
In August 2023, I visited Israel as part of a political science course. In two weeks, I learned more than in my entire degree up to that point. Six weeks after returning, the horrific events of October 7th unfolded.
Protesters have since called for eliminating the program I took part in, and have demanded boycotts and academic divestments from Israel. It's frustrating because my interest in a course on Israel should not affect others. By pushing these demands, they are taking away educational opportunities and stifling academic freedom.
Following October 7th, I had never felt more alone on campus. Friendships dissolved, and my involvement in student government was met with impeachment attempts and doxxing campaigns.
After enduring months of attacks for simply condemning antisemitism and Islamic extremism, I reached out to Hillel. From that moment, my life changed. I went from crying alone to finding a supportive community of like-minded students.
I found my voice again.
And with that voice, I filed an injunction against the encampment protests at McGill. I spoke at events. I began working with Allied Voices for Israel. I had an op-ed published. I continued speaking out.
Through these experiences, I’ve seen that antisemitism affects both Jews and their non-Jewish allies. I’ve witnessed how the Jewish community has consistently stood up for Muslims, and now, as a Muslim student, I stand up for them. We need to emphasize the common ground between our communities and the potential for peaceful coexistence.
I may not be Jewish, but the fight against antisemitism is my fight, too. It's a struggle we must all take on together. My Islamic values teach me the importance of pluralism and coexistence. I envision a world where people are not hated for their religion, where terrorism is condemned universally. October 7th was not a moment of heroism; it was an act of terror. The world must recognize that.
I will continue to be an ally because antisemitism is not just a Jewish issue—it’s a human issue.
I want Jewish students across the country to know that they are not alone. There are many allies like myself that are fighting alongside you. Whether it's showing up at a tabling, filing an injunction, or calling people out on their antisemitism, we are here.
Comments