This past year, I had the distinct privilege of embarking on a deeply meaningful journey with the Orthodox Union, helping to launch a new initiative focused on combating antisemitism on college campuses. Beginning in June 2024, I joined forces with the dedicated leaders of the OU’s Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (JLIC), an extraordinary network of rabbis and rebbetzins, who serve as pillars of support for Orthodox Jewish students at secular colleges and universities across North America.
To say that this year has been challenging for the Jewish community would be an understatement. The rise in antisemitism, particularly in academic environments, has shaken young adults and forced many to grapple with fear, isolation, and confusion. In response, we’ve worked tirelessly to understand the scope of these challenges and find ways to support and uplift Jewish students navigating hostile climates.
Over the course of the year, I visited more than 15 campuses, stretching from Ivy League institutions on the East Coast to public universities on the West Coast like UCLA. These visits were not merely symbolic; they were listening tours. I sat down one-on-one with students, hosted roundtable discussions, and bore witness to their personal stories. I attended protests, saw campus disruptions up close, and felt the tension that many Jewish students now live with daily. I also engaged with campus security leaders to better understand the strategies in place to protect Jewish life and safety.
And yet, amid all this darkness, there has been profound light. The strength and resilience of the students I’ve encountered have been nothing short of awe-inspiring. Despite facing verbal harassment and, in some cases, physical intimidation, these young men and women remain proudly committed to their Jewish identity. They show up to class, they daven, they learn, and they lead their Jewish community on campus.
A key factor in their perseverance is the unwavering support of the JLIC communities on campus. These communities offer more than just programming; they provide warmth, consistency, and a sense of home. They empower students to live meaningful Jewish lives and give them the courage to stand tall in the face of adversity.
As we look ahead to the coming year, our mission remains clear: to amplify the voices of Jewish students, to continue advocating on their behalf, and to partner with like-minded organizations working to create safer, more inclusive spaces for Jewish life on campus.
The challenges are great, but so is our resolve.
