As students returned to campus after break, RKYHS and eighth graders had the opportunity to learn together and address the anti-Israel protests that spread to college campuses and dominated the news cycle over the Pesach break. In separate age-appropriate presentations, the eighth graders and RKYHS students were engaged, inspired and empowered to be educated advocates and ambassadors for the Jewish people, as well as reinforce ways to display their Jewish pride. RKYHS faculty and guidance members presented to the RKYHS students about what is happening, why it is happening and why it is important. The details included information about BDS, the history of antisemitism, the rights afforded by the First Amendment and strategies to manage one’s emotional wellbeing.

Eighth graders participated in a meaningful and informative learning module with JKHA Middle School Principal Mrs. Levenson. Over the course of the session, students learned about the vitriolic, antisemitic rhetoric being used and behavior being displayed by student protestors, limiting Jewish students’ ability to feel safe on their own campuses, and offered action points for what they as eighth graders can do to show support and proudly represent Am Yisrael.