Jewish Student Leaders Unite to Combat Antisemitism

Jewish student leaders recently participated in the Jewish Student Union’s (JSU) annual Presidents Conference. The three-day event aimed to prepare high school club presidents in the U.S. to address antisemitism at schools and on college campuses in the future.

Importance of Community Spaces

Rabbi Micah Greenland, National Conference of Synagogue Youth (NCSY) International Director, emphasized the value of JSU clubs as community spaces. These clubs offer a supportive environment where Jewish students and their allies can feel connected.

Jewish students have increasingly been feeling isolated, bullied, and threatened by students at their public high schools.

Peer-to-Peer Interactions

According to Rabbi Derek Gormin, managing director at JSU, peer-to-peer interactions are crucial. The JSU encourages students to run clubs themselves, fostering a powerful community that thrives on mutual support.

High school student Hillel Kornwasser highlighted the urgency of addressing these issues now, rather than postponing action.

Personal Experiences with Antisemitism

Tessa Veksler, a former student body president at the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB), shared her experiences with antisemitism. She emphasized the need for Jewish students to speak out against such hostility.

Despite the challenges, Veksler remained hopeful, encouraging students to see the fight against antisemitism as an opportunity for growth and strong political advocacy.

Equipping Students with Knowledge and Empathy

Author and activist Shai Davidai shared strategies to engage effectively in discussions about antisemitism. He stressed the importance of empathy and evidence in conversation.

• Engage with empathy
• Rely on evidence
• Maintain composure in debates

Charlotte Korchak, founder of Jerusalem Education Institute (JEI), highlighted the significance of understanding Jewish history. Knowledge provides students with a foundation to discuss and defend Israel’s historical context accurately.

Balancing Advocacy with Joy

Noa Bess Solomon, an actor and content creator, emphasized the importance of humor as a means of embracing Jewish identity. She encouraged students to cherish Jewish traditions and culture.

It’s your grandma’s — it’s your bubbie’s matzo ball soup, it’s camp, it’s food, it’s tradition.

The conference aimed to empower Jewish students in combating antisemitism while preserving their joy and pride in their heritage.