Coming Together: DoJAS Reflections From The EU Activism Seminar

The EU Activism Seminar continues to generate attention, as Alex Jakubowski, Executive Director of the Delegation of Jewish American Students (DOJAS), shared his thoughts on the week-long conference.

DOJAS was one of the co-hosting organizations of the seminar, joining B’nai B’rith International, B’nai B’rith Europe and the European Union of Jewish Students in Brussels. Ten of the 20 college students that participated traveled from North America to meet with a cross-section of European Union policymakers.

Read more about Jakubowski’s reflections courtesy of e-Jewish Philanthropy and DOJAS’ official press release:

Photo via EUJS

e-Jewish Philanthropy:

For many students, their time abroad is the most transformational of their lives – filled with new experiences and cultural immersion opportunities impossible to realize in the United States.

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The students met with renowned experts, heard from critical decision-makers, and lobbied members of the European Parliament and European Commission on ways to address the rising tide of anti-Semitism in Europe.

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By the end of the seminar, students came away inspired – not only toward greater involvement in their own communities, but the global Jewish community as well.

It is our duty, as Jews living in uniquely philo-Semitic countries, to actively support our family wherever they are – not urge them to simply pick up and move.

Full Article

Also In: Jewish Journal

DOJAS Press Release:

Among the many influential and high-level officials with whom students met were Director of the Lombardy Regional Representation to the EU, Gianlorenzo Martini, Member of European Parliament and Chair of the EU Working Group on Anti-Semitism Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Member of the European Parliament Csaba Sogor, The European Commision’s Coordinator for Dialogue with Churches, Religions, Philosophical, and non-Confessional Organizations Katherina von Schnurbein, as well as staff members for various other MEP’s, Commissioners, NGO’s, and lobbyists.

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As students arrive in their host countries for their semester abroad, the seminar’s American participants are looking forward to their new role as leaders in their communities.

“I learned much more than I could have imagined, and I have already begun to share my learnings with friends and family, both within the EU and all over the world,” said Jeremy Levin, who has returned to his host community in Madrid.

Full Statement