
Rye Brook Student Recognized by American Jewish Committee for Fighting Campus Antisemitism
A Rye Brook college student has been recognized by American Jewish Committee (AJC) for his work fighting antisemitism at the University of Pennsylvania.
Ben Messafi, a Penn sophomore, accepted the AJC Sharon Greene Award for Campus Advocacy at AJC Global Forum on behalf of Penn Hillel, where he is a vice president. He is also a co-founder of PA Leads the Fight, which works with university administrators and community leaders to ensure the security of Jewish students and help them thrive.
The award is presented annually to student activists and campus organizations that work to reduce antisemitism, fight the Boycott, Divest and Sanctions (BDS) movement, and other organized efforts to delegitimize Israel, and to promote Jewish life and a positive image of Israel on campus.
“When it comes to creating a safe, inclusive environment for Jewish students, Penn remains a work in progress,” Messafi said. “At the same time, the current administration appears committed to ensuring our concerns are being taken seriously. But it took constant pressure from Jewish student groups on campus to get to that point.”
Messafi is also a member of AJC’s Campus Global Board, an initiative to broaden AJC’s engagement with college students around the world and help them become effective advocates for the Jewish people. He is also a graduate of AJC’s Leaders for Tomorrow program, which teaches high school students leadership and advocacy skills.
“Outstanding students like Ben and groups like Penn Hillel have been unrelenting in their advocacy for Jewish students even when faced with hostility, protests, and intolerance on campus,” AJC CEO Ted Deutch said. “We need to send a clear, unequivocal message across all campuses that Jewish students must feel safe and protected at all times.”
AJC has partnered with the family of the late Sharon Greene on the award to pay tribute to her many contributions to the Jewish community and in support of AJC’s mission. A fierce advocate for social justice, Greene was a strong believer in the power of younger generations to effect positive change.