This week, we’re shining a spotlight on Zachary Wexler, a student at SUNY Cortland, studying Sport Management. After October 7, Zachary found himself in a unique environment responding to student-led backlash and protest: aboard a boat. He, along with 500 students from around the world, participated in “Semester at Sea,” a program that provides a floating university to students on a cruise ship and voyages to over ten countries. During the semester, Zachary expected to learn about the world through travel. However during the experience, he also learned how to respond to antisemitism and anti-Israel hate.

Initially, Zachary’s experience began with excitement. That quickly changed after the boat docked in Malaysia and anti-Israel signage and Palestinian flags were posted on doors and hung throughout the ship. Zachary confronted a student who was draped in a Palestinian scarf, only to then be ostracized by many of his fellow students.

A friend of Zachary’s on board reflected, “What started as an exciting journey of meeting new people and seeing the world ended up being a toxic environment filled with antisemitism.” Every day, Zachary and the few students who were brave enough to identify themselves as Jewish, were met with hateful comments and accusations. Of the 500 students aboard, Zachary estimated 30% were vocally pro-Palestinian or anti-Zionist activists.

Dealing with protests and politics on a physical college campus is a challenge for any Jewish college student. However, for Zachary, being on board a ship prevented him from connecting with outside support. As the elected leader of the Jewish Students Club on board, Zachary was tasked with responding to the hate, without help from ship administrators.

Compassion came while docked in South Africa. Zachary sought out the support of a Chabad Rabbi who advised him, “Be true to yourself.” Zachary visited the Jewish Museum in Cape Town and bought a Magen David necklace that he courageously wore for the remainder of the semester on board. Zachary gathered Jewish students to hold Shabbat dinners and even came together to stage a Purim play.

During a time of isolation and tension, Zachary led himself and others to affirm their Jewish identity and support for Israel. He furthered his own connection to his faith and culture and fostered the small community on board the ship. We commend Zachary for his dedication and resilience in the face of opposition.

Thank you Lisa Bloch Rodwin for submitting today’s spotlight.