Why Defending Jewish Students on Campus Is Everyone’s Responsibility
George Washington University students assembled at the campus’ Kogan Plaza on Oct. 9, 2023 to mourn those who died during Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians. Photo: Dion J. Pierre/The Algemeiner
In today’s world, the question of Jewish identity is no longer confined to synagogues or family gatherings — it’s now a question that echoes across college campuses.
With incidents of antisemitism on the rise — including violent attacks on Jews — many of our students find themselves facing an unimaginable choice: Do I proudly express my Jewish identity or hide it out of fear?
This question deeply impacts not only these young students, but the future of our entire community.
Recently, two brave students at the University of Pittsburgh, Ilan Gordon and Asher Goodwin, found themselves attacked on their way to a Shabbat dinner. But rather than retreat, they stood their ground — physically and spiritually.
Despite the violence they faced, these young men proudly stated that they were not victims and reaffirmed their commitment to living openly as Jews. Their courage is a beacon of hope, a reminder that our young people are not just surviving — they are thriving and leading.
The story of Ilan and Asher isn’t an isolated incident. Across college campuses, Jewish students are rising to the occasion. They are choosing to wear their kippahs, attending Jewish events, and holding fast to their Jewish identity in the face of growing hostility.
And these brave students and warriors — students like Ilan and Asher — will define the future of Jewish life.
These students are not just the next generation of Jewish leaders — they are the future of the Jewish people. What happens on college campuses today will shape the Jewish community of tomorrow. Their experiences, the challenges they face, and the strength they muster will ripple far beyond the walls of the university and into the fabric of Jewish life for generations to come.
Our responsibility is clear: we must ensure that these students feel supported, both physically and spiritually.
At Chabad on Campus, we are doing everything we can to provide a safe and welcoming environment where students can proudly live their Judaism. Whether it’s advocating for stronger security measures, like we are doing at the University of Pittsburgh, or creating vibrant Jewish communities where students can connect with their heritage, we are dedicated to empowering Jewish students to embrace their identity.
But our efforts go beyond physical safety. Our goal is to inspire a lifelong connection to Judaism that students will carry with them far into the future. The values of kindness, charity, and love for Israel that they learn through their experiences on campus will guide them as they become leaders in their own communities and the world.
When Ilan and Asher walked into Chabad after their attack, they were met with a warm meal, the love of their fellow students, and a night filled with song and Jewish pride. It was a moment that exemplified the resilience and beauty of Jewish life.
These students didn’t just survive — they were strengthened by their experiences, leaving with an even deeper connection to their heritage and a renewed sense of purpose.
This is what makes our work at Chabad on Campus so essential. We are not just helping Jewish students get through a challenging time — we are shaping the future of the Jewish people. Every student who chooses to stand tall in their Jewish identity, who wears their Magen David necklace or who attends a Shabbat dinner with pride, is a testament to the strength of our community.
We must remember that these students are not isolated individuals — they are our future.
So, if anyone asks, “Why should I care about what’s happening on campus?” remind them: It’s not just about a few students at a university. It is about the future of the Jewish community and, ultimately, the future of the world.
What happens on campus today will shape who we are tomorrow. We owe it to our present to ensure they have a future.
Chazak — be strong and courageous. Together, we will ensure that our students — and the Jewish people — continue to thrive.
Rabbi Yossy Gordon is the CEO of Chabad on Campus International.
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