Why Jewish Youth Need a Stronger Foundation in History and Identity

Introduction

Imagine being a Jewish college student walking across campus, only to see posters blaming Israel for genocide, protests calling for the destruction of the Jewish state, and classmates questioning whether you ‘stand with oppression.’ Many Jewish students are experiencing this reality today. Faced with hostility and misinformation, some choose to hide their Jewish identity rather than confront the storm.

A 2023 survey by the ADL found that nearly 50% of Jewish students reported experiencing antisemitism on campus. Studies have also shown that students exposed to biased or one-sided education on Israel are more likely to distance themselves from their Jewish identity. Without a strong foundation in historical truth, young Jews will enter college unequipped to challenge misinformation.

As an African-American Christian, I see clear parallels between this struggle and the experiences of Black youth facing discrimination. In the Black community, we recognized that knowing our history was the key to developing self-respect and resilience. Learning about the achievements, struggles, and contributions of Black people gave us the confidence to stand tall in the face of prejudice.

Jewish youth need the same foundation. Between high school and college, they will grapple with questions of identity and be confronted with distorted portrayals of their people and history—often shaped more by media bias and campus activism than by historical truth.

A well-rounded Jewish education must provide the historical, political, and cultural context necessary for young Jews to engage thoughtfully with the world.

A Course on Israel and Jewish History: More Important Than Ever

One of the most effective ways to prepare Jewish youth for the challenges they will face is through a dedicated course on the history of Israel and the Middle East.

Why is this necessary? Because most students will not receive an objective, well-rounded education on these topics in school or in the media.

• High school curricula often present a one-sided view of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, reducing it to simplistic narratives.
• College campuses have become hotbeds of misinformation, where Israel is demonized and Jewish students are pressured to disavow their connection to it.
• Social media spreads anti-Israel propaganda, making it difficult for students to discern fact from fiction.

To counter this, synagogues and Jewish institutions must proactively fill in the gaps by teaching historical accuracy and critical thinking.

What This Course Should Cover

A comprehensive History of Israel and the Middle East course should include:

 The ancient Jewish connection to the land – Understanding Jewish history in Israel from biblical times to today.
The rise of Zionism – The historical movement to establish a Jewish homeland.
The founding of the modern State of Israel – What led to Israel’s creation in 1948.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict – A nuanced view of both perspectives, historical context, and peace efforts.

Rather than just memorizing facts, students should be encouraged to engage with primary sources, academic research, and firsthand accounts.

Beyond the Classroom: Experiencing Jewish Identity Firsthand

Education should not stop at textbooks. Experiential learning—physically immersing students in Jewish history and identity—has a lasting impact.

1) A Trip to Israel: Seeing History for Themselves

The course should culminate in a trip to Israel, allowing students to:

• Walk through Jerusalem’s Old City, experiencing thousands of years of Jewish history.
• Visit sites like Masada and Yad Vashem, deepening their connection to Jewish resilience.
• Meet Israeli and Palestinian speakers through “Dual Narrative Tours,” which provide multiple perspectives on the conflict.

If an in-person trip is not feasible, a virtual experience could be arranged—using technology to bring Israel’s history and complexity to life.

2) Engaging with Arab-Jewish Peace Efforts

Students should also hear from peace organizations that work toward coexistence and mutual understanding. These real-world perspectives will help them navigate the often toxic discourse surrounding Israel with compassion and intelligence.

Service as an Expression of Jewish Identity

Jewish youth must also learn that being Jewish is not just about responding to antisemitism—it’s about living Jewish values.

One way to reinforce this is through service projects that allow students to connect their Jewish identity to real-world action.

• Volunteering in underprivileged communities
• Participating in disaster relief efforts
• Engaging in interfaith service projects

By helping others, young Jews will understand that Jewish identity is active, not passive. There are numerous Jewish service opportunities that provide youth service opportunities that last one week to one year, taken during a gap year.  These service experiences provide an opportunity to identify with the positive aspects of Jewish values and identity.

Empowering the Next Generation

If we fail to equip Jewish youth with knowledge, pride, and confidence in their heritage, we leave them defenseless in a world increasingly hostile to their identity. But if we provide them with a strong foundation in history, a deep personal connection to Israel, and the experience of living their Jewish values through service, we will raise a generation that does not just survive antisemitism—but rises above it.