I was scrolling through social media and noticed that
a few classmates of mine posted insensitive and hateful
things about Israel and Zionism. Speaking with a few of
my Jewish classmates, I learned of similar experiences and
even of some insensitive comments made to them directly.
I felt uncomfortable knowing that some students could be so
open to hate as future medical professionals that will be taking
care of a diverse patient population.
Currently, I am in my second year of medical school at Oakland
University William Beaumont School of Medicine (OUWB) and
president of the Jewish Medical Student Association (JeMSA). During
my time as president, I wanted to make sure that no other students feel
like they must hide a part of themselves to connect with others at school,
especially if they are Jewish. I also wanted to ensure that my fellow future
physicians were going to treat all patients without bias no matter who they are,
where they come from or what they believe in.
I contacted Hillel of Metro Detroit to help the Jewish Medical Student
Association (JeMSA) construct a plan. We decided that antisemitism training
led by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) would be appropriate to offer the
OUWB student body. All students and faculty from the OUWB medical school
were invited and encouraged to attend the session. There were about 30 partici-
pants on the Zoom call, with a majority being non-Jewish students who wanted
to learn more about antisemitism and antibias.
I was also pleasantly surprised to see multiple OUWB faculty members
present and was thrilled to witness their commitment to their students. The
training, led by Emily Snider of the ADL, lasted an hour and a half, and was
concluded with a Q+A.
OUWB students were shocked at how much they did not know about
antisemitism and other forms of hate in the community. The students were
thankful for the training and thought it was helpful to them as they transition
from students to medical professionals. I am now more equipped to recognize
bias-related incidents and how to report them and more comfortable knowing
that my classmates understand antisemitism and know what to look for.
This opportunity was important to provide to my fellow students and the
10 faculty members in attendance. It was a fantastic first step, and I hope
that JeMSA will continue to educate and support their peers to benefit
the OUWB community as well as everyone our medical students will
encounter in the future. @
Antisemitism Training
Leah Rotenbakh } Jewish@edu writer
Leah Rotenbakh
I
n the world of COVID, the
atmosphere of school has
changed completely.
While virtual learning has
increased, so has the
availability to hide
behind your screen;
and connecting
with classmates
has become
harder
than ever
before.
Leah Rotenbakh
is currently a
second-year med-
ical student at the
Oakland University
William Beaumont School
of Medicine and served as
the 2021-2022 President of the
Jewish Medical Student Association.
for college students by college students
May 19, 2022 / 18 Iyar 5782
(Jewish Medical Student Association)
JeMSA
100 | MAY 19 • 2022