The documentary “October H8te” played Monday night at Kent State’s Hillel, which covered topics surrounding antisemitism, anti-zionism and hatred of Jewish people. 

“I wanted to bring this film to campus because I think it was important for the Jewish community and the faculty to understand the climate of the world that we live in as college students that are Jewish,” said freshman nursing major Mia Effron.

Effron said she and others in Hillel want to spread the word about hardships in the Jewish community.

“The message that I want to spread is to not be a bystander, to not let another world war occur against Jews,” Effron said. “Like the film said, ‘If this is anything like the 1930s, before World War II, we need to stop it now.’”

Kent State chemistry professor Barry Dunietz attended the documentary’s screening, which he said was because of how he feels as a Jewish person today.  

“My heart is beating fast,” Dunietz said. “It makes me very anxious.” 

Dunietz hopes for the film to be displayed on more campuses and for Hillel or other organizations to host similar events for raising awareness and opening dialogue.  

“I’m hoping for more events that provide educational resources and understanding the events that took place are important,” Dunietz said. “I’m seeing so many students, so many people in the community, at Kent State, nationally, are so drawn into this conflict, and then they’re phrasing such strong opinions.”

The documentary touched on how other countries are currently affected by antisemitism.  Effron said spreading a message of belonging in the Jewish community is important internationally, so all members feel welcome and understand the emotional impact history has had on them. 

“I watched it before I showed it to everybody else, just so I could keep my composure,” Effron said. “It was very difficult and the first time I cried through a lot of it, and I had so many emotions of anger and sadness, and the film touched on Jewish generational trauma, and that’s something that’s very real.”

Other Jewish students, like junior business management major and Hillel Freshmen Vice President Parker Heller, have doubts about the popularity of the film and if the message will get across to viewers.

“No, I do not think so at all. People are not informed, or have so much hate that they aren’t going to watch it,” Heller said. “I think it’s just going to be the Jewish or pro-Israel group that watches it.” 

Heller said there is an urge to unify different groups at Kent State to learn about the documentary’s topics.  

“I want more people to come that are not just pro-Israel, but from the other side, so they can actually come and learn,” Heller said. “It’s great to have Christian groups or other religious groups to come, Turning Point or the Democrat Club, to come to these events.” 

Kaleb Clark is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].