Interview with Israel Schill, April 12, 2024

Interview Summary

In this interview with Israel Schill on April 12th, 2024, he discusses his journey as a Jewish student at the University of Kentucky, both before and after the events of October 7th, 2024. Originally from Goffstown, New Hampshire, Schill reflects on his family's Jewish background, his upbringing in a small Jewish community, and his experiences with synagogue attendance, high holidays, and his bar mitzvah. He shares his transition from keeping kosher to exploring new foods and his experiences in Hebrew school and Jewish summer camp. Once at the University of Kentucky, Schill joined Hillel and has loved his experience. He speaks on his involvement with Zeta Beta Tau and his studies in sports journalism and Jewish Studies enriched his college experience. Schill discusses encountering antisemitism on campus post-October 7th. He noted feeling supported by the University's Jewish community despite challenges.

Interview Keyword

Antisemitism Jewish Life Jewish culture Hebrew School Bar Mitzvah Synagogue Jewish identity Rosh Hashanah Kosher Birthright trips Extracurriculars Hillel Jewish studies Campus Life

Interview LC Subject

University of Kentucky Lexington (Ky.) Social media Palestine Sports journalism Zeta Beta Tau (Fraternity) Israel New Hampshire Orthodox Jews Zionism Rosh ha-Shanah. Goffstown (N.H.) Judaism

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.