In an age where self-discovery and acceptance are vital, Mazelit Airaksinen’s journey stands as a testament to resilience and personal growth. Her experience, beginning during her freshman year at Barnard College, highlights the challenges of independent thinking amid societal pressures, culminating in a profound connection with Judaism.
The Cost of Divergent Views
During her early days at Barnard, Mazelit, then known as Toni, was approached to support a petition against Israel. Although she initially identified as politically liberal, she lacked knowledge about the complexities of Israel and Judaism. Instead of signing without understanding, she chose to delve deeper into the issue. After reviewing the materials from petition organizers, she declined to support, sensing a lack of comprehensive information. This decision led to significant harassment from peers, particularly those associated with Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). Mazelit found herself ostracized, resulting in her relocation to another dorm during midterms, despite being neither Jewish nor an apparent supporter of Israel at that time.
Mazelit faced a barrage of hostility for her choice, labeling her as a “Zionist white supremacist” and subjecting her to various forms of harassment. Classmates would shun her, while others pursued her in public spaces, demanding she voice condemnation of Israel. Even her resident adviser questioned her understanding of Palestine rather than addressing the hostility she faced.
A Journey Into Judaism
As the harassment persisted, Mazelit sought counsel through social media, where she connected with individuals who would later reveal themselves as Jewish. With no family support—being the first in her family to attend college—she found an unexpected refuge among Jewish families who welcomed her into their homes. They invited her to Shabbat dinners and included her during breaks when she had nowhere to go. This sense of community became pivotal for her well-being.
Within just a month of meeting these friends, she felt a strong inclination to convert to Judaism, a decision that deepened in significance following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. The tragedy prompted Mazelit to take action by raising awareness in her community and sharing stories of the victims. After moving to South Florida, she officially converted to Judaism in 2025, adopting the name Mazelit, inspired by the Hebrew word for good fortune.
Encountering Antisemitism
Following her conversion, Mazelit began facing a new wave of threats, including targeted death threats through her Substack newsletter. Reporting these threats to the authorities, she communicated with both local police and the FBI, documenting several disturbing messages from unknown senders. The threats varied in intensity and content, instilling fear and anxiety within her that lingered daily. Despite the harassment, she continued to wear symbols of her faith, believing that Jews should not live in fear.
Mazelit emphasized that combating antisemitism requires showcasing the richness of Jewish culture, beyond the political narratives that pervade social media. She advocates for Jewish joy, encouraging sharing of traditions and creating a more understood, positive representation of Jewish life.
Seeking Safe Spaces
Although Mazelit remained away from synagogue for weeks due to the threats, she grappled with her responsibility towards her fellow congregants, particularly the elderly. With each day, she found it essential to remain vigilant, checking her emails for new threats as the fear loomed over her. Despite these challenges, she persists in her faith and commitment to Judaism, striving to illuminate the beauty and joy inherent in Jewish traditions as a means of countering the narratives of hate and misunderstanding.
Mazelit’s story illustrates the indomitable spirit of personal growth, community, and a commitment to faith in the face of adversity.