How the Jews Changed the World
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Imagine your mom deciding to go back to college for a graduate degree in her 40s.
Now imagine that mom sitting in class at Columbia University unable to access the library due to pro-Hamas protestors taking over the campus.
I am that mom.
My teenage daughters have grown up at the Heschel School in NYC, a pluralistic Jewish day school. They have spent every summer at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. My 12th grader studied in Israel for a semester and now my 10th grader is in the same program, Tichon Ramah Yerushalayim (Ramah TRY).
Our connection to Israel and Jewish education have always been important values for our family.
That is why I wanted to show my daughters that education and exposure to various cultures and ideas round out our worldviews.
Little did I know that choosing 2022-2024 to gain that worldview would propel me into advocacy by way of supporting students on campus, meeting with administrators at all levels, and joining the lawsuit holding Columbia accountable for its antisemitism.
My husband would joke when people would ask how school was for me. He’d say, “Valerie is double majoring in Nonprofit Management and fighting antisemitism at Columbia!”
I went back to school because I am a lifelong learner. I gave many “Mom Hugs” on campus because I would see the Jewish students crying, rallying, speaking, and fighting for their rights to be on that campus. Many, especially the Israelis I met, are far from home.
My friends and I welcomed students into our homes for multiple Shabbat dinners and Thanksgiving. My outreach to NYU and Columbia students and friends was driven by the idea that by lighting the Shabbat candles together, saying the blessings, and eating a homemade meal together in a home environment could build a community and a sense of belonging during a dark time.
A classmate and friend of mine joked, “I’m closer in age to your daughter than to you.”
True, and we are bonded for life after the antisemitism we encountered together in our Ethics of the Nonprofit Sector course. We spoke up. We were informed, articulate, and proud Jewish women.
Aish Ha’am, a new slate running in the upcoming World Zionist Congress election, was formed to bring together student activists of all ages and advocates for Israel and the Jewish People. In a time of rising campus antisemitism, we unite diverse voices to fight for Jewish students, champion our love for Israel, and strengthen Am Yisrael.
As Deborah Lipstadt, the former Ambassador and Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism under the Biden administration often says, “We need the joy with the oy.”
By joining the Columbia Jewish Alumni Association board, I have been able to bring joy to the Columbia student and alumni community through in-person and online networking - building relationships with students to support them in the ways they need.
Israeli students studying on American campuses need to know that they have a community. Likewise, American students need assurance that Columbia will maintain the campus they loved while studying in Israel through the dual degree program with Tel Aviv University. All of our voices need to be heard to support these and other critical relationships between Americans and Israelis.
Jewish joy comes through strengthening the Jewish people, a key focus for Aish Ha’am.
Over a decade ago, I started the HeschelNotes choir. The Heschel School’s parents, alumni parents, faculty, administrators, and young alumni gather together weekly to sing together and perform at community concerts.
By showing the best of Jewish life to my family, friends, and community, I live my life fully and lead by example.
Aish Ha’am is a movement dedicated to fighting antisemitism, advancing Jewish unity, educating every Jew, and defending our people.
To the American Jews who wish they could do something about campus antisemitism—you can! Vote for the Aish Ha’am slate so that we can represent your values.
Not everyone is on campus right now. Not everyone chooses to post on social media regularly. But every American can learn about the role that the Jewish diaspora plays in the World Zionist Congress - and vote for Aish Ha’am.
Go to www.aish.com/vote/aishcom to vote. You can also find an opportunity on the website to become an ambassador, actively joining in our efforts.
The Jewish People need Aish’s voice. And Aish needs YOUR voice! Together we can accomplish what might seem impossible.
