The Rising Appeal of Israeli Universities: A Response to Campus Climate

Recent months have seen a profound shift in how many Jewish students view their college experience in America. What was once simply concerning has become, for many, genuinely distressing. Jewish students across U.S. campuses have reported feeling increasingly isolated and unsafe. Many describe having to hide their Jewish identity, remove visible symbols like Star of David necklaces, or stay quiet in class discussions about Israel and Judaism to avoid harassment.

The impact of this changing campus climate is becoming increasingly clear. At a recent Bar-Ilan University (BIU) orientation day, Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer revealed a striking statistic: 500 additional immigrant students have requested enrollment for the 2024-25 academic year – double the international enrollment from the year before the current war. These numbers reflect how many Jewish families are reconsidering their educational plans, with BIU emerging as a compelling alternative that offers something becoming increasingly rare on American campuses: the freedom to be openly and proudly Jewish.

What sets BIU apart is its unique combination of Jewish values and cutting-edge academic excellence, particularly in STEM fields. The university has established itself as a leader in advanced technology and scientific research, with significant investments in deep tech infrastructure. Their programs span crucial areas like advanced artificial intelligence, bio-convergence, and alternative energy sustainability. This commitment to innovation is evident in their practical applications too – the university recently launched an AI-based learning assistant to support students, drawing on transcribed lectures and academic resources to provide personalized learning support across subjects from physics to history.

The university offers more than 200 AI-focused courses, positioning its students at the forefront of technological advancement while maintaining a strong connection to Jewish values and identity. This powerful combination of scientific innovation and cultural heritage makes BIU particularly attractive for students seeking both academic excellence and a strong sense of community.

At BIU, students don’t have to choose between their identity and their education. They can engage in open discussions about Israel, and they can celebrate Jewish holidays publicly without fear of backlash. The contrast with the current atmosphere on many U.S. campuses is striking.

Samantha Goldberg, a Jewish student who recently transferred to BIU, shared her experience: “On my American campus, I felt like I had to hide who I was. Here at Bar-Ilan, I can focus on my studies without constantly looking over my shoulder. I can be both a serious student and proudly Jewish — it’s not an either-or situation anymore.”

The financial aspect also plays a crucial role. As American university costs continue to rise, families are finding that BIU offers not just a safer environment, but also a more affordable one. This combination of physical security, emotional comfort, and financial practicality makes it an increasingly attractive option for Jewish students and their families.

The university’s bilingual programs are particularly noteworthy in this context. They provide a gentle transition for English-speaking students, allowing them to maintain academic progress while gradually integrating into Israeli society. This thoughtful approach helps ease what could otherwise be a challenging transition, making the decision to study in Israel more feasible for many students.

In many ways, BIU is offering more than just an alternative to American universities — it’s providing a model of what higher education can look like when students don’t need to compartmentalize their identity and their education. The doubling of international enrollment numbers speaks to this growing recognition: sometimes the best response to exclusion is to create spaces of inclusion, where identity, innovation, and education can coexist and strengthen each other.