BY Devora Simon, JNS
Jewish teens across America are being affected by Middle Eastern conflicts.
In an era of heightened global tensions, the repercussions of international events often extend beyond political arenas and into everyday life, including the hallways of U.S. high schools.
The declaration this week by U.S. President Donald Trump that the United States should “take over” the Gaza Strip, relocate Palestinians living there to neighboring Arab countries and oversee the region’s redevelopment has sparked global debate. But for Jewish students navigating their identities on public-school campuses, the implications of such rhetoric are deeply personal.
Jewish student clubs exist to foster an educational environment where students feel supported, connected and empowered. While we value positive relationships with youth across the board, our focus remains on strengthening Jewish identity; providing a space for students to express their heritage; and ensuring that Jewish teens feel safe at school. Given the way international events can escalate tensions in school settings, our mission becomes even more critical in times of geopolitical uncertainty.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has always been a flashpoint for intense discussion, but Trump’s proposal has injected new volatility into an already sensitive issue. Across public-school campuses, we have seen how Middle Eastern conflicts can impact Jewish students—whether through a backlash on social media, peer debates or even outright hostility. Conversations about Israel quickly become emotional, and Jewish teens often find themselves in difficult positions, forced to defend their identity or their right to express support for Israel.
The challenge isn’t simply about politics; it’s about ensuring that Jewish students have the tools and confidence to navigate these conversations without feeling isolated, targeted or misrepresented. Schools must recognize that the rise in antisemitism over the past year—whether in the form of online harassment, vandalism or verbal attacks—creates an environment where Jewish students need stronger institutional support.
In order to create a positive and secure environment for Jewish teens, educators, administrators and others must take proactive steps to ensure their well-being on campus.
Here’s how we can foster a stronger, more inclusive atmosphere:
• Emphasize Jewish identity and empowerment. Jewish student clubs should remain focused on their core mission—providing a supportive space where students can connect with their heritage, celebrate their traditions, and engage in leadership opportunities that strengthen their sense of self. Programs that build Jewish pride are essential in helping students develop confidence in their identity.
• Equip students with tools for constructive conversations. Instead of reactive engagement, we need proactive education. Schools should offer resources that help Jewish students navigate difficult conversations about Israel without feeling overwhelmed or isolated. Workshops, discussion guides and leadership training can empower students to handle complex discussions with confidence and clarity.
• Strengthen institutional support for Jewish students. Schools should recognize the unique challenges Jewish students face and ensure that their concerns are addressed with the same urgency as other forms of discrimination. This includes providing faculty with training on antisemitism, ensuring fair and neutral treatment in discussions about Israel, and actively monitoring instances of bias or exclusion.
• Encourage positive relationship-building across communities. While Jewish clubs do not function as interfaith organizations, fostering respectful relationships with peers of all backgrounds is important. Encouraging mutual understanding through education, storytelling, and personal connections can help counteract misperceptions and reduce tensions on campus.
• Monitor and address antisemitism in schools. Administrators must be proactive in identifying and addressing any incidents. This includes responding swiftly to harassment, ensuring that Jewish concerns are acknowledged in diversity initiatives, and implementing policies that protect Jewish students from hostility or unfair treatment.
Jewish student clubs are not political advocacy groups; they exist to support teens in their personal growth, educational experience and identity formation. While world events will always influence discussions on campus, our focus remains on the well-being of Jewish students and their ability to thrive in a welcoming and safe environment.
We must remain clear that our role is not to provide political analysis or take sides in geopolitical debates. Instead, our responsibility is to stand with Jewish students so they feel supported in their schools and equip them with the resources they need to navigate their identities with confidence.
Trump’s declaration about Gaza and the Palestinians may be the latest global event to ripple into school environments, but it is far from the first. Jewish students deserve the same security, understanding and institutional support that all students are entitled to, regardless of world politics. Schools must be intentional about addressing the concerns of Jewish teens so that they can express their identities freely without fear of backlash or discrimination.
Jewish student clubs remain committed to fostering a sense of belonging, identity and leadership. By staying focused on our core mission—supporting young men and women in their personal and academic journeys—we can look out, nurture, encourage and help them continue to thrive, even in uncertain times.
