Vicious antisemitism that was once relegated exclusively to the halls of academia is now tragically found in high schools nationwide. Jewish students are facing an increasingly hostile environment, one where fear often stifles their ability to explore their own heritage and identity. Yet despite these challenges, we are witnessing an extraordinary response: a resurgence of Jewish pride among high school students who are eager to connect with their roots and stand strong in the face of adversity.
Jewish Student Union (JSU), a program of NCSY, serves as the gateway for so many Jewish students who are seeking to understand what their heritage means to them. Our mission is simple: to create a welcoming space where Jewish teens—regardless of background, denomination or affiliation—can explore their Jewish identity in an inclusive and supportive environment. For years, JSU has provided a critical entry point for thousands of Jewish teens looking to strengthen their connection to Judaism. However, the events of Oct. 7, 2023, and their aftermath have propelled our work into an urgent new reality.
Before the Hamas-led terrorist attacks that Black Shabbat in Israel, JSU would receive two to three online requests per month from students interested in starting a club at their high school. In the weeks and months following that tragic day, we have seen an unprecedented surge in demand with four to five new requests per week. This phenomenon speaks volumes about the resilience and determination of Jewish teens across North America. In a world where antisemitism is no longer a distant concern but a daily reality, many students are not retreating but addressing the issues head-on, seeking knowledge and community, and the strength that comes with understanding their heritage.
With more than 400 schools benefiting from JSU’s direct staff support and an ever-growing number of students reaching out for guidance, we recognized the need to expand beyond in-person programming. In response, we launched the JSU Global Campus, a digital initiative designed to equip Jewish high school students with the tools they need to be effective community organizers on their campuses. Through leadership training, educational modules and hands-on support, students are learning not only to navigate their Jewish identities but also to become advocates and leaders within their schools and beyond.
JSU’s commitment to Jewish students does not stop at the gates of their high school campus.
Evening social and educational programs, weekend retreats and our flagship trip to Israel—“The Jerusalem Journey”—provide immersive experiences that allow students to deepen their connection to their Jewish identity. The trip has become a transformative experience for so many Jewish teens, allowing them to explore the depths of ancient and modern Jewish history, as well as connect with their heritage in a way that is tangible and personal. These programs serve as a critical next step for students who first encounter Jewish engagement in their JSU clubs. Whether it’s a local event that builds Jewish friendships, a weekend retreat that fosters community or standing at the Western Wall in Jerusalem for the first time, students gain a sense of belonging and pride that will remain with them for a lifetime.
Of course, the challenges extend beyond the classroom. Supporting students in their quest for Jewish learning and engagement has evolved into a responsibility that staff never anticipated: ensuring their physical safety on campus. Liaising with school administrations and districts to combat antisemitic incidents, advocating for students’ rights and providing families with critical resources have become integral aspects of JSU’s mission. Parents, too, are looking for guidance, seeking reassurance that their children are not alone in the face of rising hatred.
Recognizing this need, JSU has expanded its support for parents and families. We provide educational workshops, parent training sessions and resources to help families navigate difficult conversations about antisemitism and Jewish identity. These programs offer parents the tools to empower their children to stand strong in their Jewish pride while also helping them understand the issues their teens face. Parents are not just bystanders in this struggle; they are partners in fostering resilience, confidence and a deep-rooted sense of identity in their children.
Note that antisemitism does not discriminate based on denominational affiliation. To that end, our programs welcome students from all walks of Jewish life, as well as allies who stand with our community. We invite all students—whether from a traditional Jewish background, those who have never stepped into a synagogue or others who are simply curious—to find a JSU club near them and welcome others to join them.
So many of our students are not merely surviving but thriving. They are filled with drive, curiosity and passion. They refuse to be silenced by hate and instead embrace the challenge of standing tall as young leaders. They are eager to learn, grow and build a future where Jewish identity is celebrated, not hidden. They are stepping forward—not just as participants but as builders of the Jewish future.
And JSU stands with them every step of the way.