44 | AUGUST 15 • 2024

D

uring the first month
of this summer, I
participated in the
study abroad program at Wayne
State University. During my time
overseas, I traveled to Italy, Poland,
the Czech Republic, Germany and
the Netherlands to study global
supply chains with a focus on the
automotive industry.
This was truly an incredible
experience as I learned about the
intricacies of the different tiers
of OEM suppliers, observed how
various factories operate and
understood how European Union
policies will affect the future of the
automotive industry.
However, I didn’t want to spend
my time across the pond learning
solely from my professor. It is
important for me to learn more
about my Jewish history and what
Jewish life is like today in Europe.
As a grandchild of a Holocaust
survivor, continually educating
myself about what my grandparents
endured is crucial for my
understanding. This is essential to
ensure that the evil of antisemitism
does not rear its ugly head in
our society. Recognizing and
understanding how this sickness
operates is the best way to prevent
it from spreading.
Unfortunately, when I look at
universities across the Western
world today, I see a discouraging
number of students identifying
with antisemitic and anti-Israel
movements. This is a warning to
the future of the Jewish people if
nothing is done.
While I was abroad, Wayne State
was also dealing with antisemitic
and anti-Israel movements,
marked by the establishment
of encampments on campus. I
knew doing nothing was not an
option. So, I decided to bring my

classmates to Jewish museums,
former Jewish quarters and
concentration camps to learn
what happens when this type
of dangerous ideology becomes
mainstream in society.
I felt the best way to encourage
participation was to ensure that
the only barrier to learning about
Jewish history in Europe for my
classmates was their time. I took care
of the planning, transportation and
payments for those who joined me.
What was most inspiring to me
was that 75% of my classmates
decided to join me on our day
off in Munich at the Dachau
concentration camp. We spent

most of the day there, witnessing
firsthand the ruthlessness of the
Nazi regime. We concluded our
visit with a reflective discussion,
sharing our thoughts on what
we saw, its significance and its
importance.
A recurring theme was the
realization that the cruelty we
witnessed is a stark reminder of the
dangers of unchecked hatred. We all
agreed that it is our responsibility
to actively combat such ideologies
in our own lives to prevent history
from repeating itself.
I am deeply grateful to my peers
who chose to dedicate their time
to learning about the Holocaust,

pogroms and the broader history
of Jewish suffering and resilience
in Europe. This journey not only
enriched our understanding of
the past but also underscored the
enduring relevance of these issues
today.
Through this experience, I
have strengthened my resolve to
combat antisemitism and promote
awareness, ensuring that the
lessons of history continue to
guide us toward a more just and
compassionate future. @

Jared Pazner is in his second year at Wayne

State University’s Mike Ilitch School of

Business for his MBA.

Educating My Peers Abroad

for college students
by college students

I took my classmates to Dachau to learn about the
dangers of unchecked hatred.

Jared Pazner } jewish@edu writer

Jared Pazner (center, with
glasses) with his study abroad
program classmates in Munich.