Mazal tov Jonathan on AJC honour

An Adelaide University student has received an award from the American Jewish Committee (AJC) for his leadership in tackling antisemitism and antizionist activity on campus.

Jonathan Iadarola was presented with the Sharon Greene Award for Campus Advocacy at the AJC Global Forum in Washington on June 2. The award is presented annually to student activists and campus organisations working to reduce antisemitism, counter the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement, and promote Jewish life on campus.

Iadarola, who is studying politics and international relations, founded the University of Adelaide Jewish Students’ Society, the only Jewish student group at a South Australian university. The society was named best local union in 2022 by the World Union of Jewish Students, where Iadarola joined the board last year. He also revived the South Australian branch of the Australasian Union of Jewish Students.

The advocacy followed a 2022 incident in which the university’s student magazine published an article that ended with the words “Death to Israel”. Iadarola and other Jewish students raised their concerns at a student council meeting, where they were taunted. A pressure campaign he led prompted the university to issue a formal apology to Jewish students.

Iadarola said the experience had shaped his identity. “This journey has been defined by both significant challenges and immense pride, from confronting difficult realities on campus to standing up for my identity and my community. It is an experience that has truly shaped who I am, and one that will continue to guide me as I move forward and keep advocating for what I believe in.”

AJC campus affairs director Moshe Lencer said Iadarola had created models for effective advocacy on Australian campuses.

“Along the way he faced many obstacles, but he refused to back down.”

The University of Adelaide and University of South Australia merged this year to form Adelaide University.