Jewish high schoolers fight hate with community support, face narrowing prospects for collegiate future

The surge in antisemitic hatred witnessed nationwide in the 14 months after Hamas’ attack on Israel has not only impacted college students but is also affecting children from kindergarten through high school.

The Office of Civil Rights within the Department of Education has the responsibility of addressing discrimination complaints related to shared ancestry, which encompasses allegations of antisemitism and Islamophobia in educational institutions that receive federal funding. A spokesperson from the Department of Education informed Fox News Digital that since October 7, 2023, they have initiated investigations into 159 shared ancestry cases involving K-12 schools, colleges, and universities. This number is significantly higher than the 28 cases opened in the preceding four years.

In response to the increasing antisemitism affecting K-12 students, Devora Simon, the National Director of Jewish Student Union, revealed to Fox News Digital that an additional 4,000 teenage students seeking genuine connections and a meaningful community have turned to JSU clubs within their schools. This surge in interest has led to the establishment of 125 new JSU clubs across the country during the 2023-2024 academic year.

Simon said this “unprecedented demand for Jewish engagement reflects [students’] deep desire to belong, find strength in each other, and explore their identity.” She said the JSU has provided “a safe space and unwavering support as [students] navigate these challenges and build a vibrant, supportive community.” 

Anti-Israel protest at NYC high school

Anti-Israel protesters stand outside Susan E. Wagner High School in Staten Island. (Ary Weiss/Staten Island Shomrim)

Teachers attempted to respond to tensions in the school by promoting a two-week study on the history of the conflict. Rachel reported that the course “didn’t give any good context.” 

Both Erica and Rachel told Fox News Digital about experiencing intolerance from students. Rachel says she has lost friends over her connection to Israel, and even had to report an activist teacher who was pushing anti-Israel sentiments in class. She said it is especially painful to recognize that while other students are allowed to take pride in their heritage, “I don’t feel comfortable talking about Israel or saying I’m from Israel.” 

It was not until Erica gathered with other Jewish students to speak with a guidance counselor about their experiences that she understood how deeply antisemitic hate was impacting her fellow Jewish students. To respond to the hatred, Erica reached out to the JSU and helped to found a club in her school. Now, she says that weekly events attended by both Jewish and non-Jewish students have fostered “a sense of community and a sense of acceptance.” 

Both Erica and Rachel are looking with trepidation toward their collegiate futures. Rachel said she worries about how colleges will respond to the activism for Israel that she plans to feature in her application. “I’m definitely aiming for an Ivy League,” she said, but worries she “would not feel safe going” to the schools she once hoped to attend. 

Erica had dreams of going to college in Boston. “When I speak to my mom about it, it’s always, ‘We’ll see,’” she said. “It’s crazy to think about that when you are applying to college, you can’t only look at how the campus is, how the classes are, what majors you like. You also have to think” about antisemitism, Erica said. 

You May Also Like
Indian officials say troops exchanged fire with Pakistani soldiers in disputed Kashmir

Indian authorities report that there was gunfire between Indian and Pakistani soldiers in the contested region of Kashmir

Indian and Pakistani soldiers recently engaged in a brief exchange of fire…
Flight crew delayed asking for medical help for man in crisis who later died, lawsuit alleges

Lawsuit alleges flight crew caused delay in seeking medical assistance for man who later died

A lawsuit states that a 62-year-old man passed away after experiencing a…
Democrat-run Los Angeles failing wildfire victims’ rebuilding plans months after Trump visit: GOP rep

GOP Representative says Los Angeles, managed by Democrats, is struggling to help victims rebuild after wildfires despite Trump’s visit earlier this year.

Months after the devastating wildfires caused widespread destruction in Southern California, thousands…
Humiliating NFL Draft moment as Shedeur Sanders' dreams are crushed by brutal prank call

Shedeur Sanders faces an embarrassing prank call that crushes his NFL Draft dreams

Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Draft nightmare took a cruel twist Friday when his…
Trump’s goodwill tested as Putin ignores peace efforts during Witkoff's visit

Putin’s disregard for peace efforts poses a challenge to Trump during Witkoff’s visit

President Donald Trump’s patience is being tested by Russian President Vladimir Putin,…
Luigi Mangione heads to federal court as DOJ debuts death penalty 'shift': ex-federal prosecutor

Luigi Mangione Appears in Federal Court as Department of Justice Changes Stance on Death Penalty: Former Federal Prosecutor

Luigi Mangione is set to appear in federal court on Friday afternoon…
How 17-year-old Logan Hall contributed his graphic design skills to new ABC News Studios documentary

“Teen Graphic Designer Logan Hall Contributes Expertise to ABC News Studios Documentary”

NEW YORK — A new documentary by ABC News Studios, “Unleashing Hope,”…
Beyonce mercilessly mocked as tickets for 'flop' Cowboy Carter tour reach same price as a McDonald's meal

Beyonce ridiculed as ticket prices for failed Cowboy Carter tour drop to cost of a meal at McDonald’s.

Beyonce has been ridiculed by music fans after tickets for her struggling…
New England serial killer fears heighten after eighth idyllic town rocked by gruesome discovery

Massachusetts district attorney addresses concerns about New England serial killer following discovery of 8th body

The District Attorney in Hamden County, Massachusetts, addressed speculations about a serial…
Highland Park parade shooting: Robert Crimo III transferred to Stateville prison to serve life sentence for killing 7, injuring 48

Robert Crimo III moved to Stateville prison for lifelong sentence after Highland Park parade shooting kills 7 and wounds 48

WAUKEGAN, Ill. (WLS) — The Highland Park parade shooter will now begin…
Will There Be A Season 3 of ‘NCIS: Sydney’?

Is Season 3 of ‘NCIS: Sydney’ Confirmed?

The season finale of NCIS: Sydney will be on Friday, April 25,…
Democrats' New Scheme to Bully El Salvador Into Sending MS-13 Gangbanger Garcia Back to U.S.

Democratic Plan to Pressure El Salvador to Return MS-13 Gang Member Garcia to the United States

When it comes down to it, Democrats are essentially seen as typical…