Student leaders at the University of Florida (UF) are preparing for the Fifth Annual Spread Cream Cheese, Not Hate® Bagel Day Program in an effort to combat record levels of antisemitism on college campuses.
Rabbi Jonah Zinn
UF students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and community members are invited to sign the pledge — in connection with National Bagel Day — to “combat antisemitism and all forms of hate” and commit to keep campus and the broader community “welcoming and safe places for all.” Signers of the pledge receive a free bagel and cream cheese.
“The bagel is an invitation into conversation,” said Rabbi Jonah Zinn, executive director of UF Hillel. “Our initiative gives students a platform and shared language to have difficult conversations about antisemitism. Everyone who signs the pledge does so after a conversation with our trained student volunteers about antisemitism and how to play a direct role in combating antisemitism at UF and in their own communities.”
More than 7,000 people have signed the pledge since the program’s 2020 inception, with 40% of the signers identifying as non-Jewish allies. Pledge signers receive additional resources and opportunities to enhance their learning throughout the year.
UF Hillel anticipates training more than 325 Jewish and non-Jewish student volunteers. The students participate in a facilitated workshop during which time they learn about Judaism, the history of antisemitism, and practice their conversation and outreach skills.
