As students return to school this fall, college campuses are at the forefront of one of the most pressing battles of our time. Nina Rennert Davidson — philanthropist, activist, and longtime Algemeiner honoree — joins J100 to confront the campus antisemitism that has exploded in the wake of October 7th.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Nina shares:
Her family’s lifelong commitment to Israel and Jewish life
How October 7th forever changed her outlook
The chilling scene at Columbia University just days later
The “three buckets” of campus life — academic, physical, and emotional — and how each has been poisoned for Jewish students
Why Jewish philanthropy must be rethought
Why the fight for Jewish dignity is also a fight for Western civilization
It’s raw, it’s urgent, and it’s a call to action as the academic year begins.
Condensed Transcript
David M. Cohen: Nina, welcome to J100. For those unfamiliar, tell us a bit about yourself.
Nina Davidson: I grew up in New York, studied at Barnard, then earned a JD and MBA at NYU. I worked for Revlon, but my passion has always been Jewish causes and Israel. I helped launch AIPAC’s Women’s Division and served on Barnard’s board.
David: Where does that passion come from?
Nina: My parents. My mother taught me that integrity and education are the only things you can take with you. My father’s mission was rebuilding Israel. Our family’s philanthropy has always centered there — synagogues, schools, Torah communities. For me, Israel is family.
David: Where were you on October 7th?
Nina: At home in the Hamptons with my children. My parents were in Jerusalem, running to bomb shelters — my father is 91. It was brutal, surreal. I am not the same person I was before that day.
David: You went to Columbia shortly afterward. What did you see?
Nina: On October 12th, there was a vigil. Three hundred Jewish students were praying and crying. Across the lawn, 800 were celebrating “resistance” and intifada. Israel hadn’t even gone into Gaza yet, and they were celebrating. That moment showed me how deep the rot had gone on campus.
David: What is life like for Jewish students today?
Nina: I think of it in three buckets. Academically, students are indoctrinated — taught what to think, not how to think. Physically, they risk harassment for wearing a kippah or a Star of David. And emotionally, Zionists are ostracized, excluded from clubs and social life. Imagine being 18 and realizing most of your peers hate you for your identity.
David: Can universities be saved?
Nina: Only if they admit there’s a problem — and most don’t. NYU’s president has shown leadership. Columbia has doubled down. Until universities impose real consequences and hire faculty who build bridges instead of tearing them down, Jewish students will remain denied basic civil rights.
David: You’ve said this isn’t just about Jews.
Nina: That’s right. It starts with us, but it doesn’t end with us. The Intifada has been globalized. This is a war on freedom, democracy, and Western civilization. The canary in the coal mine just died.
David: On a personal note — how do you process all this?
Nina: I read constantly, especially Holocaust history. After October 7th, a chilling question crossed my mind: who would hide me now? It’s something every Jew has thought about.
David: Final thought: how do we fight antisemitism?
Nina: Education. Learn Jewish history. Learn Israel’s story. Once you’re informed, you can advocate with confidence.
