I’m That Jew, And I’m Raising the Next Generation to Be Too

In a world that often tries to dim our light, it’s time to shine brighter than ever. It’s time to say it out loud: I’m that Jew.

I’m that Jew who descends from generations of thinkers, healers, builders, artists, and dreamers. That Jew whose ancestors carried the torch of justice, education, and resilience through exile and empire. That Jew whose very existence is a miracle and a contribution to the world.

And I’m not alone.

Across social media, a new movement is rising. You may have seen it: #ImThatJew. It’s more than a hashtag; it’s a revolution of spirit. A declaration that we’re done hiding, done minimizing, done apologizing. It’s the voice of Jews everywhere standing tall and proud, saying: We rock. We matter. We’re here. And we’re not going anywhere.

Jewish pride is growing on campuses, TikTok, boardrooms, and protests. People are speaking up and creating space for others to step forward. Just look at Israelis. They’re not shy about who they are. They don’t tiptoe around their identity. They walk tall, love hard, and own their heritage. We should learn from that.

Because let’s be honest: being humble about our identity hasn’t protected us. Shrinking hasn’t stopped antisemitism. If anything, it has emboldened it. So maybe it’s time we sing a different tune of pride, unity, and strength. Because if we don’t do it, who will?

And yet, even now, many Jews still believe that lowering their profile is the smarter, safer move. That staying neutral might keep the peace. I understand that instinct; we’ve inherited a long history of needing to keep our heads down to survive. But where has that gotten us? Antisemitism hasn’t vanished; it’s resurfaced more viciously than ever. Hiding hasn’t saved us. It’s only weakened our voice.

This isn’t a time for silence. It’s a time for strength. For clarity. For pride that builds a bridge to the next generation.

Because this isn’t just about us, it’s about our children. They are watching and listening and learning what it means to be a Jew from how we carry ourselves. If we act afraid, they’ll feel fear. If we hide, they’ll shrink. But if we speak with pride, they’ll grow up proud.

We owe it to them to raise Jewish kids who are not just Jewish by name but Jewish by pride. Kids who know where they come from and understand their heritage’s beauty, strength, and brilliance walk through the world knowing they carry something sacred and that it’s not a burden but a blessing.

Our kids are watching.

They’re watching how we show up as Jews, how we speak, how we hide, how we fight back or stay silent, and how we explain our identity or don’t.

If we act afraid, they will learn fear. If we shrink, they will shrink. But they will rise if we show up with pride, unapologetic, joyful, and strong.

We owe it to them to raise a generation of Jews who don’t just inherit Judaism…they own it.

Who walk into classrooms, onto campuses, and into the world with their heads held high, knowing: My people changed the world. And I get to carry that legacy forward.

That doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because we teach them. Because we show them. Because we lead.

So, let’s stop whispering. Let’s stop apologizing. Let’s stop hoping someone else will do it for us.

This is the moment. And we are the messengers.

Raise them with pride. Raise them with truth. Raise them with power.

Am Yisrael Chai.

Let’s talk about the Jew of today, the one breaking barriers in Silicon Valley, winning Pulitzers, leading companies, and creating art that moves the world. We are scientists behind medical breakthroughs, founders of global nonprofits, and some of the world’s most impactful startups and social justice movements.

We’re not just successful; we’re generous. Did you know the Jewish community is one of the most charitable in the world by percentage? We give to Jewish causes and education, healthcare, human rights, disaster relief, and more. Because embedded in our DNA is the belief that we are responsible for each other. That’s not just tradition. That’s legacy.

That’s why I’ve made a promise to myself, my children, and our people.

To speak up. To give back. To raise proud Jews. To invest in a Jewish future where our kids don’t just inherit Judaism; they own it.

This moment in history asks us to be louder, bolder, and unapologetic. We must flood the world with Jewish pride, so our children grow up standing on our shoulders, not starting from scratch.

So, join me. Say it loud, with love, for your kids and for all the kids who will come after them.

I’m that Jew. I’m proud of my people. And I’m not alone.

Am Yisrael Chai.