In the American south, building a Jewish future one camper at a time

In a world increasingly marked by division, antisemitism and social pressures, nurturing a proud, informed Jewish identity among our youth has never been more essential — and more challenging.

As director of NCSY Southern Region, I see every day how our Jewish Student Union (JSU) clubs across public middle and high schools provide a safe haven for Jewish students to engage, learn and grow in an environment that respects and celebrates who they are.

Reaching teenagers is no easy feat. Students these days navigate a maze of academic stress, social media, peer pressure, and too often, a society that doesn’t always welcome them. JSU’s approach is simple yet powerful: We meet them where they are — geographically, spiritually and emotionally. We don’t ask students to fit into a rigid model of what it means to be Jewish. Instead, we adapt our programming to their realities, fostering a welcoming space where every student can find a way to engage with their Jewish identity, no matter their level of observance or background.

Our mission is to inspire the Jewish future. This means addressing not only what it means to be Jewish but also why it matters in a world that often encourages conformity over cultural pride.

We aim to show students that being Jewish is something to be celebrated, not hidden, even in the face of rising antisemitism. Just last week, the Jewish world witnessed yet another stark reminder of the dangers that hate can bring — an attack in Holland’s capital of Amsterdam, coming heartbreakingly close to the 86th anniversary of Kristallnacht. Our students are acutely aware that, despite the passage of time, the threats facing Jewish people have not disappeared.

JSU’s work extends beyond public schools, reaching out to students in Jewish day schools as well. Data has shown that despite years of Judaic study, many day-school graduates often stray from Jewish engagement as they navigate college and young adulthood.

Our work with these students is crucial, as they, too, will shape the future of the Jewish voice and leadership. Just as we support public-school students, we guide day-school graduates in making a lasting connection with their heritage — one that they will carry with them as young adults. Nurturing a strong identity during these critical years helps ensure that when they face challenges or the lure of assimilation, they feel empowered to lead, advocate and proudly carry forward Jewish values.

Through JSU clubs, we help students build a strong, resilient Jewish identity that they can carry with them beyond the classroom. This foundation is essential because many of our students will go on to college campuses where they may encounter even more hostility towards their beliefs and heritage.

When these young adults face challenges on campus, they need more than just fond memories of JSU meetings. They need the strength and tools to become leaders — ambassadors for their Jewish identity, defenders of Israel, and advocates for truth and tolerance.

At JSU, our goal isn’t merely to offer a social club or weekly gathering; it’s to guide students toward a meaningful commitment. Like a customer who doesn’t just window shop but engages, “buys in” and takes something valuable with them, we aim to inspire our students to actively participate in Jewish life. We encourage them to “own” their identity, not just as students but as the next generation of Jews who will carry forward our legacy.

Our clubs across the US South and Southern Florida are thriving because we’re more than a place to talk about Judaism; we’re a place where students find camaraderie, support and guidance in navigating their Jewish journey. Our JSU team builds relationships with students that go beyond high school. We invest in their growth, celebrate their successes and prepare them to step into leadership roles on college campuses and beyond.

We teach them that it’s not just about keeping Jewish traditions; it’s about standing up for them. It’s about understanding that what happened in Amsterdam — and countless incidents elsewhere — is wrong and must be met with a powerful, collective “never again.”

In a world that would often have young Jews hide or dilute their heritage to avoid confrontation, we teach them the importance of standing proud and saying “I am Jewish” without fear or shame. It’s this strength — instilled through JSU clubs — that will shape our future leaders, ensuring they not only inherit but also actively engage in the vibrant, resilient Jewish identity we cherish.

As we look forward, I am encouraged by the determination and passion of our JSU students. They remind us daily that the Jewish future is in good hands, and that with the right guidance and support, they will continue to uphold our values, traditions and pride for generations to come.