What it’s about:

Yana Naftalieva, President of the World Union of Jewish Students, addresses Jewish students returning to university, urging them to embrace and proudly display their Jewish identity despite increasing anti-Semitic incidents on campuses.

Why it matters:

With rising antisemitism and campus tensions, Jewish students face significant challenges. Naftalieva’s call for unity and identity pride aims to foster resilience and solidarity among Jewish and Zionist communities in academic settings.

The background:

Jewish students have historically been advised to downplay their identity to avoid antisemitism. Recent upticks in hostile campus environments have only heightened these challenges, making the expression of Jewish identity a courageous act.

State of current events:

Last year witnessed numerous protests, polarizations, and betrayals from former allies who marginalized Jewish experiences. This resulted in feelings of exclusion and danger among Jewish students reminiscent of historical struggles against severe antisemitism.

The positive perspective:

Contrary to the fear, numerous Jewish supporters and allies stood by the students, showcasing unity, determination, and courage. The support from various groups proved that embracing Jewish identity can also lead to strengthened community ties and collective achievements.

The call to action:

Naftalieva encourages Jewish students to display their Jewish symbols with pride, advocate for the rights of Israel, and not cower from their Zionist values. Campus life is another essential battleground for defending Jewish and Zionist principles, essential for the future prosperity of Israel and the whole Middle East.

The enduring message:

History has shown that hiding will not eliminate antisemitism. It’s imperative to stand firm, wear the Star of David unapologetically, and support Israel openly. This historical moment demands bravery – to ensure that today’s perseverance will be tomorrow’s proud history.

Conclusion:

Jewish students are encouraged to look to the solid examples set by 44 national Jewish student unions worldwide. Utilizing their strength and unity can navigate these challenging times, ensuring they are remembered for their resilience and solidarity.

Am Israel Chai,

Yana Naftalieva

President of the World Union of Jewish Students

This story was first published on jpost.com.