From Isolation to Identity: Jewish Teens Turn Struggle Into Strength

Immediately after October 7, Brody Friedeberg, a high schooler from the Bay Area, faced antisemitism and hate from other students.

“I heard casual antisemitism in several conversations around campus, and I have also heard similar experiences from other students,” he said. “In the last few years, I often felt disconnected from community at school.”

Another Jewish high school student, Noa Mehler, from Queens, New York, felt unwelcome at school after that tragic day.

“There are very few Jewish students at my school, and after returning, a few of us lost friends,” she said. “Our school community is rife with anti-Zionism, including among teachers, and many people weren’t afraid to make their viewpoints known. It’s very common to see students and teachers wearing keffiyehs or putting up posters in classrooms and hallways. It was incredibly isolating, and I found myself feeling unsafe telling people that I was Israeli.”

Noa Mehler

Instead of giving up hope, both students made a choice: They were going to become even more involved in their Judaism. Today, they are both active members of Jewish Student Union, a national organization that empowers Jewish high schoolers to discover their personal and unique connection to Judaism. Started in 2002 with just four clubs in Los Angeles, it now has more than 450 clubs across America – and growing – and it encourages students to make friends with other Jews while exploring their culture, identity, and heritage.

Brody and Noa and many other students participate in JSU Global Campus, an online course platform that empowers Jewish teen leaders to launch and lead vibrant JSU clubs on high school campuses where in-person staffing is not available. Through professional training, a structured leadership model, and access to a dedicated JSU staff member for ongoing guidance, students are equipped to lead their own inclusive and vibrant clubs and build Jewish community no matter where they are.

Brody Friedeberg

“We are seeing both a rise in antisemitism and a powerful surge of pride among Jewish teens who want to create spaces for connection on their campuses,” said Denise Badreau Tamam, director of operations at JSU Global Campus. “Giving teens a sense of belonging, connection to other teen leaders across North America, and a safe place where they can proudly express their Jewish identity is invaluable. We are in a unique position to uplift and guide the next generation, helping them find strength, resilience, and leadership in a challenging time.”

Finding Connection

While Noa felt scared and abandoned post-October 7, she found a haven in JSU.

“[It] offered a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where we could be ourselves, celebrate our shared culture, and feel a sense of community and safety,” she said. “I’ve made so many amazing friends and learned more about diverse Jewish traditions and experiences. JSU has helped me feel less alone, especially when being Jewish can sometimes feel isolating at school.”

Fellow members would ask about each other’s families and check in on everyone’s wellbeing. They shared their worries and thoughts and processed the ongoing conflict with people who didn’t yell at or judge them.

“In fact, my fellow JSU members did the opposite — they made me feel heard and understood,” she said. “We shared news with each other and had many discussions where we offered different perspectives and learned a lot. I’ve truly loved being part of JSU and have made a few lifelong friends through it. It has been very important in keeping me grounded and sane when other students around me have made me feel like an outsider.”

Inspiration fills the classroom as SOCES High students come together creating a Jewish community

The group hosts Jewish holiday parties, Friday night dinners and Shabbatons, trips around the world, and leadership cohorts and fellowships. Since October 7, JSU has seen an unprecedented surge in interest, with more than 340 requests to start clubs coming from public as well as non-Jewish private high schools.

“We are seeing both a rise in antisemitism and a powerful surge of pride among Jewish teens who want to create spaces for connection on their campuses,” according to Denise. “Giving teens a sense of belonging, connection to other teen leaders across North America, and a safe place where they can proudly express their Jewish identity is invaluable. We are in a unique position to uplift and guide the next generation, helping them find strength, resilience, and leadership in a challenging time.”

Moving Forward – With Positivity

It isn’t easy to be a proud Jew in 2025, especially if you’re in high school. However, because of JSU and support from their fellow Jewish students, Brody and Noa are standing up for who they are.

“My favorite Jewish song is Kol Ha’Olam Kulo,” said Brody. “In English, it roughly translates to: the whole entire world is a very narrow bridge, and what is most important is to have no fear at all. There has always been antisemitism, and realistically, there will always be antisemitism. When we give in and become afraid to be Jewish is when we lose our identity as the Jewish nation. It is essential for the vitality of our people that we take pride in our Judaism.”

Noa added, “You can feel the strength, resilience, and love of the Jewish people. The deep, rich history and the feeling of being part of something bigger than myself is incredibly powerful. Being Jewish means being part of a story that’s thousands of years old, full of resilience, wisdom, and meaning. There are a richness and warmth to Jewish people, and a beauty in Jewish culture – our holidays, songs, and even our food– that brings me comfort, happiness, and fulfillment.”