‘I see them experiencing Jewish joy,’ says professor at Old Dominion U

Amy Milligan, director of the Institute for Jewish Studies and Interfaith Understanding and ODU Hillel at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, received the Academic Engagement Network Faculty Changemaker Award for her efforts in combating antisemitism and fostering a welcoming environment for Jewish students. Milligan hosts an "Am Yisrael Chai Café" in her office, a modest space that serves as a safe zone and community hub for the approximately 75 Jewish students at ODU. These weekly gatherings, which began with 12 students at the start of the academic year, provide a space for students to discuss campus life, antisemitism, and share experiences. Milligan noted that while antisemitism was present before October 7, 2023, "It amplified, and the support felt different." Her goal is to ensure Jewish students feel proud of their identity, stating, "I see them experiencing Jewish joy."