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Since the horror of October 7, 2023, Jewish high school students across North America have faced a dramatically altered reality characterized by a surge in fear, hostility and anti-Semitism. At NCSY, we work with tens of thousands of Jewish teens across the country. What we're looking at today is not just awkward, it's unprecedented in this country.
What once had subtle little things and nasty silence from peers has turned into open hostility for many students. Students are isolated, blackmailed, harassed and threatened by simply being Jewish or expressing support for Israel as they are viciously attacked on October 7th and then fighting to free hostages and prevent future attacks.
“It is said that students should be called 'Hitler should have finished his job' or 'dirty Jews'. In Houston, teachers accused Jewish teens of being “baby killers.” Many stories reflect the self-satisfaction of school leadership and the collapse of the values schools support. ”
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Anti-Israel protesters stand outside Susan E. Wagner High School on Staten Island. (Ary Weiss/Staten Island Shomrim)
The 2024 audit of the Anti-Abolition League highlighted this surge, reporting 9,354 anti-Semitism cases across the US, up 140% in 2023, the highest since the pursuit began in 1979. Hate speech and threats are ominously normalized.
High school is a period of growth and personal development, and schools have a responsibility to support their development. However, since October 7, many Jewish students have often been placed in a position to advocate for their identity without guidance or institutional support. When the school fails to act, they show that this hatred is somehow not urgent.
At NCSY, we are committed to ensuring that students do not feel alone. Through Jewish Student Union (JSU) clubs in over 400 public schools in North America, it provides space to process what students are experiencing, connect with others who understand, and develop the power to stand tall in their Jewish identity.
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Students show resilience, pride, and unwavering connection to Jewish values and the people. (Jason Redmond/AFP Getty Images)
It also provides leadership training, Israeli education, and guidance on how to deal with anti-Semitism with confidence and dignity. These students are not only victims of hatred, but also American Jewish leaders in the production and powerful voices of moral clarity and courage.
It is unacceptable that schools are quiet or neutral in the face of anti-Semitism. Schools have a responsibility to act with clarity and consistency when tackling anti-Semitism. This means updating anti-harassment policies to reflect today's reality, training staff to identify modern forms of anti-Semitism, including anti-Zionist rhetoric, and fostering an environment in which Jewish identities are respected.
Parents, educators and community leaders must also remain involved. It is important to listen to your students and take your concerns seriously. Their stories are not exaggerated. They are early warnings worthy of thoughtful and compassionate responses.
Not only did the 7th October shake Israel, but it also shook Jewish identities around the world when Jews saw Prohama gatherings held nationwide before Israel responded to an attack on it. For high school American Jewish students, aftershocks are still felt every day. But rather than shrinking in the face of this pressure, students are showing resilience, pride, and unwavering connections to Jewish values and the people.
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Now is the time for us all to stand up to opportunity. We support Jewish students in your community. Challenge the Board of Education and Administrators. Be clear and consistent with speaking out against anti-Semitism in all ways. With the right tools, partnerships and commitment, our school can ensure that all Jewish students are a place they feel safe, seen and valued. With proper support, they will not only survive this moment, but will lead us to a stronger and fairer future.
