Why Israel and Jewish Advocacy Matter in College

OPINION— Last year in the United States, there were 9,354 antisemitic instances reported to the Anti-Defamation League, a 344 percent increase over the last five years and an 893 percent increase over the last 10 (ADL, 2024). It’s no surprise that a large portion of these cases have occurred on college campuses. This is a harsh reality that incoming college students will face, making it more important than ever for DJDS students to understand and prepare for. 

At DJDS, everyone grows up in a close-knit environment where Jewish identity is affirmed daily. However, stepping onto a college campus often means leaving this bubble behind. All of a sudden, students may encounter spaces where antisemitism and misinformation are much more common. In today’s social media age, misinformation can spread rapidly, influencing peers who may form opinions based on unreliable sources rather than verified facts. 

DJDS Alumnus Joshua Segal (class of 2023), now at Columbia University, details, “here [at Columbia], there is a big proportion of kids who are anti-Israel because their information comes from social media and other pseudo-academic sources.” Even at prestigious universities, misinformation and antisemitism can spread widely, influencing the student body, the faculty, and the classrooms in general. 

DJDS Alumna Julia Perlmutter (class of 2025), now at Tulane University, builds on this idea. “I’m sure most of the students here [at Tulane] are aware of the war in Israel, but it’s definitely not at the forefront of their minds, and if it is, then they’re probably advocating for Gaza by posting some misinformed Instagram post,” she said. The danger is not only misinformation itself but also the apathy or unwillingness of many to seek the truth. 

College classrooms have become hostile places where students are confronted with distorted narratives. As a result, universities are no longer places of higher education, but rather sources of harassment that frequently make Jews feel unsafe. For example, at UCLA, Jewish students reported being physically blocked from parts of campus and subjected to antisemitic chants (The Guardian, 2025). Students at Barnard College claimed that “Jews exaggerate the Holocaust,” and a Haverford professor even celebrated Oct. 7, calling it “a historic moment to be recorded in the history books” (Campus Reform, 2025). 

“There are some points where I absolutely want to support Israel and be in Jewish life. And there are other times where it's been a little scary and kind of hard to judge whether I want to be so openly out,” said DJDS Alumnus Sam Altberger (class of 2023), now at Syracuse University. 

Without preparation, it is easy to feel overwhelmed or choose to stay silent. But silence allows these false narratives to grow unchecked. By studying history and knowing how to respond calmly, you can learn how to navigate these tough circumstances. Joshua follows up by wishing he knew as much about Israeli history as he does about European history so that he could counter false claims more effectively. 

Learning now, through reading, discussion, and thoughtful engagement, gives students the confidence to advocate and educate, rather than feeling sidelined. Ways you can prepare for these conversations include: Regularly reading from reliable news sources on Israeli history and current events. Try hard to look beyond media bias and compare information between sources to find the truth. Attending local events, workshops, or seminars on antisemitism and advocacy. Learn to be involved and defend yourself. Trying to understand where others are coming from. Some arguments might seem ridiculous, but the only effective way for others to listen to you is if you hear them out first. 

That last point is especially important. Empathy and understanding have become very rare skills in our society, and there is no way of moving forward if people aren’t willing to collaborate and listen. Segal wisely emphasizes this: “You have to understand their political view, but you also need to be upfront and let others know the facts.” I asked various alumni to offer advice when stepping foot outside the very vast halls of DJDS: Altberger said, “Keep your Jewish values. They set you up on the right path, and they can be a big help when times get tough.” Segal said, “Be a normal person. Read the news, don’t watch TikTok, and be careful with the people you surround yourself with.” Lastly, Perlmutter said, “Be proud of your Judaism wherever you go, wear your Judaica, stand up for Israel, and know that you always have a community of people who are rooting for you.” 

For high school students looking to take the next step, the StandWithUs Teen Leadership Council provides opportunities to build advocacy skills, expand knowledge of Israel, and connect with peers dedicated to fighting antisemitism. For more information, contact Inieder@denverjds.org