The current fight for Zeta Beta Tau’s founding charge — “Zion shall be redeemed with justice” — would alarm the 15 men who joined Professor Gottheil 126 years ago in founding a Zionist student organization.

One year after the Oct. 7 terror attacks, justice feels impossible. Wisdom seems to be in short supply, and truth can be difficult to recognize. The precepts of Zeta Beta Tau are challenged every day. Brothers and chapters have faced an incredible surge of hatred and antisemitism.

Thankfully, Brotherly Love keeps us together. ZBT believes in righteousness and strives for justice.

We encourage all brothers and their loved ones to pause for a moment of silence today at 12pm in your time zone for the victims of the Oct. 7 attacks and those still held in captivity by terrorists. ZBT calls for justice for the people of Israel, the victims, the hostages and their families and everyone suffering in the aftermath of terror since the attacks.

The past year

We are so proud of the way our chapters and brothers support Israel and stand against antisemitism on campus, despite many of them being personally victimized.

We estimate three-quarters of campuses where ZBT has a chapter currently saw a major antisemitic incident or protest encampment in the 2023-2024 school year.

The Fraternity’s first priority has been to support and secure undergraduate chapters and brothers. Safety remains a daily concern on campuses. Anti-Israel and antisemitic vandalism, harassment, assaults and protests have been prevalent in the past year, and we expect a swell this week again.

ZBT focuses on education for college students as an important part of our response. Before Oct. 7, we had regular educational programs, but in the past year specifically we’ve had five Israel Now! sessions, a Zoom session with a licensed mental health professional just after Oct. 7, two Holocaust-education specific opportunities, a private event at the Embassy of Israel to the U.S., a tribute to the hostages at our International Convention and dozens of Combatting Campus Antisemitism workshops. We have a strong partnership with the ADL and many community entities. We work to teach Brothers how to respond to a hate incident and advocate for Israel and the campus Jewish community. See ZBT.org/reporthate.

ZBT NEWS

• Israel-Hamas war creates shockwave
• ZBT rides through wave of unrest
• Texas brothers rally thousands for Israel
• Position Statement on Antisemitism and Israel (adopted 2022)

Today

Today and this week, Chapters are being encouraged to memorialize this tragic anniversary with appropriate tributes such as a candlelight vigil, educational speaker or art installation. Follow along on ZBT’s social media for personal testimonials from Brothers and updates from Chapters on their reflection.

ZBT was founded 126 years ago as a Zionist student organization and remains committed to supporting Israel, particularly at this moment in history. We stand steadfast in our support of the right of the State of Israel and its people to live in peace and security with its neighbors and the right of the Jewish people to self-determination in their historic homeland.

As ZBT Brothers and friends, it is our responsibility to engage in meaningful action, raise awareness and ensure that the memories of those who perished are never forgotten while advocating for justice and peace.

Wishing everyone peace, happiness and Brotherly Love in the new year.