Amplifying Jewish Student Voices: A Multifaceted Approach to Sharing the Truth
Dedicated to elevating the experiences of Jewish students who face anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment on college campuses.
We seek to inspire action via:
Storytelling and Advocacy: We empower students to engage directly with influential figures, including policymakers, diplomats, and community leaders, fostering meaningful dialogue and impactful change.
Outreach and Partnerships: We provide students with the platform to share their experiences, in their own words, with both Jewish communities and the broader public, creating understanding and building bridges.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Through social media, digital content, and more, we amplify student stories far and wide, encouraging others to join in spreading their powerful narratives.
AMPLIFY JEWISH STUDENT VOICES
Join us in empowering the next generation through Amplifying Jewish Student Voices. This initiative uplifts and equips Jewish students to proudly share their stories, advocate for truth, and confront anti-Semitism and anti-Israel hate on campus.
Amplifying Jewish Student Voices: Initiative Supports Students Facing Anti-Semitism
A new B’nai B’rith program, Amplifying Jewish Student Voices, was inaugurated in September to assist Jewish students experiencing anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiments at their schools.
B’nai B’rith leaders Larry Magid, a member of the Board of Governors, and Millie Magid, chair for U.N. Affairs, hosted a launch event at their home in Aventura, Fla. Marian and Paul Kruss hosted a gathering the next morning.
Roundtable discussions allowed attendees opportunities for expressing solidarity, inspiring them to take action. International Center for Human Rights and Public Programs (ICHRPP) Deputy Director Rabbi Eric Fusfield moderated the panels, featuring Harvard Divinity School alumnus Shabbos Kestenbaum and Jamie Sharabani, former IDF soldier and University of Miami senior, who each courageously took a stand against on-campus threats and intimidation.
Empowering Jewish Students
A powerful event unfolded thanks to the efforts of the youth leadership program in B’nai B’rith South Florida, led by Joshua Strauss, a dedicated high school senior. Supported by the B’nai B’rith Connect initiative, Amplifying Jewish Student Voices, this impactful program reached over 459 high school students and about 130 adults over three incredible days.
We were honored to have B’nai B’rith Impact Fellow and Connect leader Shabbos Kestenbaum, a Harvard Divinity School grad and media contributor, as a speaker. As a lead plaintiff against Harvard University, Kestenbaum courageously shared his experiences with anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment on campus, inspiring future leaders to stand strong and stay proud of their heritage.
Special thanks to B’nai B’rith International Vice Chair Brad Adolph for sharing B’nai B’rith’s mission and its four pillars: Senior Housing, Disaster Relief, Supporting Israel and Human Rights and Public Policy. Founded in 1843, B’nai B’rith has championed these causes around the world.
Adolph said, “It was an honor to represent B’nai B’rith International and share the stage with Shabbos Kestenbaum as we spoke at several events to young adults and parents as part of B’nai B’rith South Florida Young Leadership Program. To hear Shabbos share his first-hand story of rampant anti-Semitism on college campuses and his fight to hold universities accountable for this injustice was inspiring. It was a privilege for me to speak about the history of B’nai B’rith and the work we do every day. I was personally excited to connect with future leaders of the Jewish community and specifically B’nai B’rith International. A huge thank you to B’nai B’rith South Florida
We are grateful to Dan Tartakovski, B’nai B’rith International ambassador, and Gina Strauss, B’nai B’rith International senior vice president and South Florida president, for their unwavering support and leadership in making these critical conversations possible.
This South Florida tour included visits to:
- Jewish Culture High School
- David Posnack Jewish School
- Michael-Ann Russell JCC / Maccabi Ha’Tzair
- David Posnack JCC / Maccabi Ha’Tzair
- Hebrew Academy Miami
A huge thank you to all those who made this event possible, including the amazing Loving Moms United, Magen and FESELA for their support in raising awareness and providing students with the confidence to stand strong for Israel and the Jewish people. Together we are building more connected and conscious future leaders.
STAY INFORMED
News & Updates
PRESS RELEASE August 1, 2024
College Students Confront Anti-Semitism on Campus
B’nai B’rith International is pleased to announce the winners of its 2024 None Shall Be Afraid essay contest. This year, we invited college students to share action plans universities should use to effectively address threats against Israel and Jews on their campuses.
PRESS RELEASE May 6, 2024
B’nai B’rith Leadership Forum Addresses Campus Anti-Semitism, 2024 Election Issues, and more
B’nai B’rith International’s 2024 annual Leadership Forum concluded today in Washington, D.C., with featured speakers throughout addressing topics relevant to the Jewish community, including the global impact of the Israel-Hamas war and the rise of anti-Semitism, as well as a moving Yom HaShoah commemoration at the Austrian Embassy.
PRESS RELEASE April 25, 2024
B’nai B’rith Outraged by Universities’ Inaction Against Anti-Semitism Amid Campus Protests
B’nai B’rith International is outraged by the passive response from universities in addressing the rise of anti-Semitism and intimidation from students and outside protestors on their campuses.