As we approach the Jewish New Year, I find myself reflecting not just on the familiar customs of Rosh Hashanah—the apples dipped in honey, the prayers and the warmth of family around the table—but on the deeper meaning these traditions hold in a world that feels increasingly difficult to navigate.
The High Holidays are meant to be a time of joy and renewal—a chance to embrace a fresh start. This year, however, as I think about the Jewish students I’ve worked with, the challenges they face weigh heavily on my heart. For many, this season is overshadowed by fear, uncertainty and a growing sense of isolation, especially on college campuses, where their identities are being questioned or outright attacked.
College campuses once served as places for open dialogue, where students could freely explore diverse ideas. But for Jewish students today, these spaces often feel hostile. From verbal assaults on Israel to an environment where their Jewish identity is marginalized or attacked, it’s clear that something profound has shifted.
Over the past year, I’ve had countless conversations with Jewish college students, alongside invaluable media trainings. These students share feelings of fear and frustration. Many feel unsafe expressing support for Israel, while others have been ostracized for their faith. Some are even forced to explain that their Jewish identity is not synonymous with white privilege or colonialism. Worse still, many students are silenced in classrooms, where professors refuse to engage with their perspectives or, in some cases, endorse anti-Israel rhetoric. These daily stories paint a troubling picture of a generation struggling to hold on to its identity in a world that seems determined to erase it.
Despite the overwhelming tide of hate, I am continually struck by the resilience of these students. Despite the adversity they face, they continue to show up. They participate in Jewish life on campus, even when met with hostility. They push back against anti-Israel rhetoric, sometimes at great personal risk. They connect with their heritage through small Shabbat dinners, student groups that support Israel and other Jewish activities that keep them grounded in their identity.
I’ve seen how invaluable media training and advocacy can be in helping these students navigate their challenges. These trainings provide them with tools to effectively communicate their thoughts and feelings, empowering them to advocate for themselves in a hostile environment. By doing so, we give them the courage to use their voices, to feel that their perspectives matter, and most importantly, to know that the world is listening. Without their voices, many of us, whether at home, in politics or in leadership, would never fully understand the realities they face. These students’ voices are the bridge between the issues on the ground and the actions we can take to create change.
I am incredibly grateful for the students who continue to speak out, despite how difficult it is. Their courage not only raises awareness but creates a ripple effect that will inspire future generations of Jewish leaders. Their commitment to staying engaged, no matter the cost, is a reminder that our community’s strength lies in our willingness to stand together, speak truth and make our voices heard.
But I won’t lie, this isn’t easy. For many, walking into a classroom or social space where their very existence as Jews is under attack is an immense challenge. It’s hard to feel joy during the High Holidays when carrying the weight of such pain and alienation. And yet, as we enter the Jewish New Year, I can’t help but feel a flicker of hope. Despite the darkness around them, these students are fighting for a future where Jewish identity is celebrated, not hidden or shamed.
As I look ahead to the Jewish New Year, I find myself thinking less about resolutions and more about renewal. The High Holidays are a time for introspection, for coming together as a community and for celebrating the possibility of change. This year, I see that possibility not in the form of a suddenly tolerant world, but in the power of our community to rise above hatred and stay true to our values.
We, as Jews, have always been defined by our resilience. Whether in ancient times or in the modern world, we’ve faced persecution and attempts to erase our identity. Yet, year after year, we endure. And this year, as we confront the challenges facing Jewish students on college campuses, we must reaffirm that strength, our collective strength as a people and as individuals, will carry us through.
It’s easy to feel helpless in the face of rising antisemitism, anger and division. But this year, as we celebrate the High Holidays, I encourage us to remember that resilience is a powerful tool. By supporting our students, standing up for our heritage and remaining steadfast in our identity, we can face whatever challenges come our way.
This year, it’s OK if we don’t feel the same joy we’ve felt in the past. It’s OK if our celebrations are tinged with sadness or frustration. Still, even in those moments of difficulty, we are connected to something greater than the challenges we face, a tradition that has survived for thousands of years. This tradition thrives because of people who, like our students, refuse to be silenced. And that, above all, gives me hope as we move into the new year.
