A partnership between campus and community creates powerful dialogue.
Oakland University’s campus became a beacon of solidarity and education on Oct. 28 as more than 360 people gathered for “Listen, Learn and Act: Stories that Move us Forward” — a multimedia experience addressing the urgent crisis of antisemitism on college campuses. In a climate where many institutions of higher education have struggled to respond effectively to rising hatred, Oakland University (OU) demonstrated what bold leadership looks like.
Mickey Shapiro, with Oakland University President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz and Bobby Schostak.
Presented in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Detroit, Hillel of Metro Detroit, the OU Center for Civic Engagement, and the OU Cis Maisel Center for Judaic Studies and Community Engagement, the event featured a public screening of My Name is Sara, the award-winning Holocaust survival film by executive producer Mickey Shapiro, followed by a book signing and compelling conversation with pro-Jewish activist Noa Tishby.
Noa Tishby
“Our ‘Listen, Learn, Act’ event was an important gathering including two extraordinary guests: Noa Tishby, author, activist and former Israeli special envoy, whose courageous voice has inspired audiences worldwide — and Mickey Shapiro, distinguished businessman, philanthropist and recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from Oakland University and executive producer of My Name is Sara, the amazing story of his mother’s survival during the Holocaust,” said Oakland University President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz. “We tackled the subject of antisemitism through the power of stories to shine light in the darkest of times.”
Pescovitz emphasized the university’s unwavering commitment: “At Oakland University, we are committed to being a place where such stories are not only told but truly heard — and where we learn the lessons they have to teach us.”
A Crisis Demanding Action
Ora Hirsch Pescovitz
Statistics shared by Pescovitz paint a sobering picture of the current reality. “Since Oct. 7, antisemitism around the world has exploded. In 2025, the FBI reports that nearly 70% of religion-based hate crimes target Jews, and antisemitism on college campuses has become rampant. According to a recent AJC report, on college campuses, 35% of Jewish students have personally experienced antisemitism, 32% believe faculty promote antisemitism or an environment that is hostile to Jews, and 43% do not feel comfortable expressing their true feelings or views on Israel.
“At the event, we upheld our commitment to combat antisemitism by listening with open hearts,” Pescovitz continued. “When we listen with open hearts, we learn. When we learn, we are moved to act.”
The Power of Personal Stories
The afternoon began with a showing of My Name is Sara, which tells the story of Mickey Shapiro’s mother, Sara Góralnik-Shapiro, a 12-year-old Jewish girl who survived the Holocaust. The film’s emotional resonance set the stage for deeper conversations about why remembering the past remains essential to confronting present-day hatred.
Michael Pytlik
“We were grateful that Mickey Shapiro shared the movie he produced about the life of his parents who survived the Holocaust,” said Michael Pytlik, director of the Oakland University Cis Maisel Center for Judaic Studies and Community Engagement. “My Name is Sara was shown in the afternoon, and the evening event with Shapiro and Tishby drew a large audience. Clearly, this kind of programming and discussion was well received.”
For graduate student Nima Valadbeigi, the film’s impact extended beyond the evening itself. “Ever since that night’s event, I have found myself reflecting more deeply on how essential it is to truly see people, to listen to the stories they carry and to share those stories with the world,” she said. “We must not forget, nor allow others to forget, the long and difficult journeys many have endured, the fierce battles they fought to live, and the profound truth that life, peace and freedom are immeasurably precious.”
Equipping Students to Combat Hate
Following the film screening, Noa Tishby led a thought-provoking discussion on recognizing and combating antisemitism in all its forms. Her practical approach resonated with students seeking tools to navigate hostile environments.
“Noa Tishby was effective in offering us ways to recognize intolerance and to address it,” Pytlik noted. “One of the simplest ways to combat antisemitism and other forms of intolerance is to address it from a position of having the facts to discuss it and not be triggered by it. In small ways, we can all elevate the conversation and try to bring about positive change.”
University of Michigan Dearborn undergraduate student Tessa Hewitson with Noa Tisby.
Leah Langnas, a graduate student and StandWithUs Fellow at Wayne State University, found Tishby’s message particularly empowering. “Noa truly is an inspiration when it comes to perseverance and advocating for what’s right,” she said. “She talked about how having a strong community is essential and how we should support one another through everything.”
The importance of education and values formation emerged as a central theme. As Israeli Shinshin Naveh observed, “Noa Tishby spoke about the importance of educating the next generation to have strong values. She emphasized that today’s children are the ones who will carry these values forward. She also highlighted the need to fight against the growing challenges and hostility toward Jews on college campuses by going to these places and representing the Israeli perspective. As an Israeli Shinshin, who teaches kids and teens about Israel daily — that was very meaningful and important.”
A Community United
For Jewish students at Oakland University, the event represented more than just programming — it was affirmation that their campus administration stands with them.
Noa Tishby with Oakland University Medical student and co-president of OU’s Jewish Medical Student Association, Hannah Knoll.
Hannah Knoll, a second-year medical student at Oakland University and co-president of Oakland’s Jewish Medical Student Association (JeMSA), expressed her appreciation. “With recent rises in antisemitism, I really appreciate that Dr. Pescovitz and Oakland University brought Noa Tishby to our campus. Her visit served as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing strong and never allowing anyone to take away our Jewish identity.”
“As an Israeli Jew, I was truly excited to see how strong and supportive the Jewish community is here, both for our country and for our traditions,” said Tal Rokah, an undergraduate student at Oakland University. “After our inspiring conversation with Noa, I feel even more confident that people here understand how important it is for us to remain proud and united as a community. We will continue to stand together as we always have, and nothing can break us.”
The significance of institutional support was not lost on students from other campuses. Tessa Hewitson, an undergraduate at University of Michigan Dearborn, shared, “Not only was it energizing to have the opportunity to engage in conversation with Noa Tishby here in Detroit, it was also particularly powerful to have her speak on a college campus. While I am not an Oakland University student myself, witnessing the administration stand side-by-side with Jewish students and Israeli voices reaffirmed my belief in the goodness and integrity of our institutions of higher education.”
The Partnership Model
The success of “Listen, Learn and Act” reflects the strength of collaboration between campus and community organizations. Hillel of Metro Detroit served as a co-sponsor of the event, organizing, promoting and staffing the program. This partnership model, bringing together Oakland University, the Jewish Federation of Detroit, Hillel of Metro Detroit and campus centers, demonstrates how Jewish students can be supported through coordinated community effort.
Lior Zisser-Yogev
Lior Zisser-Yogev from the Israel and Overseas Department at the Jewish Federation emphasized the importance of such collaboration. “We at Israel and Overseas at the Jewish Federation are so grateful we had this opportunity to collaborate with Oakland University on bringing this important message to the broader community. It is always refreshing to see such support of Israel and the Jewish community in a non-Jewish space, and especially on a college campus. This program presented such a meaningful call against antisemitism, and it reminded us that we are not alone, and the Jewish community has allies.”
Zisser-Yogev praised both featured speakers for their unique contributions: “Noa Tishby represents Israel and the Jewish people in such a courageous and articulate way and, through the platform of social media, gives us the voice and language to confront antisemitism that is rising in our society, which we have seen a lot of, especially in the past two years.
“Mickey Shapiro’s family story reminds us that antisemitism is by no means a new phenomenon, and the brave story of his mother’s heroism as a Holocaust survivor is a daily reminder of the importance of a strong, cohesive Jewish community, and a stable and thriving State of Israel.”
David Dulio, interim chief community engagement officer and director of the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) at Oakland University, highlighted how the event aligned with the university’s broader mission: “The CCE was delighted and proud to be a co-sponsor of ‘Listen, Learn, Act.’ One of the goals of the Center is to make OU known as a convener of conversations about issues of public importance. There is no denying that the rise of antisemitism in America is one of the most important issues of our time, especially when it comes to college campuses. So being a part of this event fits squarely with our mission. We look forward to doing more in this space in the future.”
Matthew Hollander, Israel Program associate at Hillel of Metro Detroit, emphasized the lasting impact on students: “I left the event reinvigorated by Noa Tishby’s passion for Israel and the Jewish people. Working with students every day, I know how deeply they crave truth and connection, and hearing voices like hers gives them the strength to stand proudly as Jews, as leaders and as allies for Israel.”
Oakland University demonstrated commitment not only through hosting the event but also through comprehensive security measures that ensured all attendees felt safe and welcome, a critical consideration given the current climate on college campuses nationwide.
Moving Forward Together
As antisemitism continues to surge on college campuses nationwide, the “Listen, Learn and Act” event stands as a model for institutional vision and community partnership. Oakland University’s willingness to host such programming, backed by the support of the Jewish Federation of Detroit and Hillel of Metro Detroit, sends a clear message: Jewish students deserve to feel safe, supported and proud of their identity on campus.
“We look forward to continuing the discussion so that all of us can be effective messengers and help change the dialogue from antisemitism and intolerance of all forms to one of understanding and meaningful dialogue,” concluded Michael Pytlik, expressing a sentiment shared by all who participated in this powerful evening.
Leah Fershtman, senior program associate at Hillel of Metro Detroit, who has worked with graduate and undergraduate students at Oakland University for the past three years, reflected on the organization’s ongoing commitment. “Through programs like ‘Listen, Learn and Act,’ Hillel of Metro Detroit continues to bring Jewish college students together to engage in Jewish life, deepen their knowledge, strengthen their community and confront antisemitism,” she said. “This work is ongoing, and we’re committed to creating more opportunities where students feel proud, supported and safe across all Metro Detroit campuses.”
In these challenging times, Oakland University has shown what it means to truly listen, learn and act. Through the power of storytelling, authentic dialogue, unwavering institutional support and the collaborative efforts of dedicated community organizations, the campus demonstrated that meaningful change begins when institutions choose to lead with courage and conviction.
As other institutions across the country grapple with how to respond to rising antisemitism, this event offers a powerful blueprint: partner with community organizations like Hillel and Jewish Federation, center student voices and needs, provide robust security and create spaces for difficult but necessary conversations. Hillel of Metro Detroit remains committed to this work across all local campuses, ensuring that every Jewish student has the support, resources and community they need to thrive.
The success of “Listen, Learn and Act” proves that when universities, community organizations and students unite, meaningful change becomes possible.
For information about Hillel of Metro Detroit’s programming and support for Jewish students across local campuses, visit hillel-detroit.org.
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